Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sister Miriam, Michelle and Heather continue the conversation in week 4 of Lent with Fr. Jacques Philippe’s book Searching for and Maintaining Peace.
We talk about the frequent human experience of wishing that we had a different life or circumstance than the one we really have. We discuss how the enemy can block us from understanding where God is in our suffering and that the key is to allow the Holy Spirit to change our hearts and open our eyes to a new perspective.
One Thing We Love This Week
- Sister Miriam’s one thing: The documentary “Free Solo”
- Michelle’s one thing: Prayer of Abandonment
- Michelle’s other one thing: Be Brave in the Sacred, Mary Lenaburg
- Heather’s one thing: The song “Confident” by Steffany Gretzinger and Bobby Strand
Discussion Questions
- Where is the enemy trying to make you believe that real life is elsewhere?
- We are not called to do life on our own. Where do you need to invite the Holy Spirit into your life to be your comforter and guide?
- What is one situation where you need a new perspective, given by God, on your life circumstances?
Journal Questions
- Do I pay attention to see how God is providing for me? How can I pay attention to my life in a deeper way and not just go through the motions?
- Take some time to delight in God and his movement in your life. Journal about what comes to mind.
- In the main circumstances in your life right now, what is your heart really longing for? Take time this week to invite God into that longing.
Quote to Ponder
“We often live with this illusion, but it’s often an error. It’s not the exterior circumstances that must change, it’s above all our hearts.” —Fr. Jacques Philippe
Scripture for Lectio Divina – John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Meet Your Hosts
Abiding Together is a weekly podcast hosted by Michelle Benzinger, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, and Heather Khym.
If you would like to contact the ladies of Abiding Together, email us at abidingtogether@ascensionpress.com
Ladies, I’m not on Facebook but I’ve been meaning to send a message for over a year now. Just want you to know how much this podcast means to me and to so many. I love each and every one and read every book along with you. I’m a pastoral coordinator for Walking With Purpose in my parish, and in our weekly emails to our 100+ participants, I share a link to that week’s podcast. Everyone is hooked! We’ve even given away last year’s and this year’s Lenten study book as fun “giveaways”. Thank you for your ministry to all of us, may you know the blessings being our Savior’s hands and feed into the lives and hearts of so many. With much love, Emily (Kansas)
Hi Emily! Thank you for your message and for sharing the podcast with your parish community. We are so happy to hear that it’s blessing you. Saying a prayer for you and your parishioners today.