A Message From Sr. Miriam James

In this episode, we conclude our series on sacred elements and reflect on wine as a sign of surrender, transformation, and new life. Just as grapes are pressed to release their juice, we too go through seasons of being pressed, and God is right there with us in the pressing, bringing new wine out of what we suffer. We talk about the difference between surrender and resignation, how old patterns can keep us from receiving what He is doing, and what it looks like to become new wineskins. The One who turned ordinary water into extraordinary wine is still making new wine in the places where we feel pressed, and He longs to fill us with His Spirit until our joy overflows.   Heather's One Thing - God of Wonders/ Agnus Dei by Brianne  Heather's Other One Thing - New Wine by Hillsong Worship Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Milwaukee Brewers World Series Win! Michelle's One Thing - The GIVEN Institute | APPLY HERE for the 2027 Forum! | Apply here to be a 2027 Mentor!   Other Resources Mentioned: I Love Lucy Video Clip | Lucy Crushing Grapes   Announcement: This year for Advent we will be doing a series called "Held in His Story". Within Jesus' genealogy are the stories of women who knew longing, heartache, courage, brokenness, and hope. Together, we will journey with Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary to discover the sacred gift of God woven within our own stories.   Journal Questions: How is God inviting me into being pressed and crushed? What is my suffering bringing to the surface? Where have I become resigned in my life? Where in my life have I allowed the wine of the Holy Spirit to run out?   Discussion Questions: How is the Lord purifying you in this season of life? How has the Lord transformed your sorrow into glory? What is the difference between surrender and resignation? Where do you need to choose to trust the Lord?   Quote to Ponder: "He wants her to drink in conformity with her desire and become wholly inebriated, drinking of all the wines in God's storehouse." (St. Teresa of Avila, Meditations on the Song of Songs, Chapter 6)   Scripture for Lectio: "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse.  Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." (Matthew 9:16-17)   Sponsor - The University of Mary: What if advancing your education didn't require choosing between your family, your work, and your faith? Many of us sense God inviting us to grow, whether by advancing a career, moving into a new field, or serving others more fully. But with work and family commitments, graduate school can feel out of reach. The University of Mary offers fully online graduate programs designed to fit real life, so you can study on your schedule and keep moving forward. Programs that prepare you to serve. Earn your degree in nursing, counseling, social work, business, education, and more. Mary's programs build the skills to lead well, serve others, and make a difference in your field. Faithfully Catholic. Mary has more Newman Guide-recognized graduate programs than any other Catholic university in America. Faith isn't separate from the education here. It informs how students learn and how they work. Affordable by design. Mary is the nation's most affordable serious Catholic university, with graduate tuition about half the private-college average. That's intentional. People called to serve their families, communities, and the Church shouldn't have to take on overwhelming debt to answer that call. Built for every season of life. Programs are fully online, built for working professionals and busy families, and many can be completed in as little as one year. Exclusive offer for Abiding Together listeners: Listeners of Abiding Together are for scholarships of up to $7,000 – nearly 25% off the total cost -- toward select graduate programs. Learn more at abide.umary.edu →   Timestamps: 00:00 The University of Mary 01:32 Intro 02:14 Advent Announcement 03:24 Welcome 06:13 Surrender, Transformation, and the Winepress 08:19 The Process of Crushing 13:25 Resignation vs Surrender 15:06 The Wedding at Cana 19:22 The Gift of Wine 22:31 Making Room for New Wine 26:26 The Winepress is Messy 29:14 One Things

In this episode, we continue our series on sacred elements as we explore the significance of oil as a symbol of intimacy with God, anointing, and preparation for the Bridegroom. Mary broke open her costly perfume and poured it all out at Jesus' feet, holding nothing back. We talk about the beauty of that kind of love, the posture of gazing up into the face of the One who loves us, and why a heart given entirely to Him is never wasted. We also share how to keep our lamps filled as we wait for the Bridegroom and why no one can lend us the oil that comes from our own time with Him. The same Spirit who anointed us at our baptism longs to fill us again with the oil of His love, so that our lamps are burning bright when the Bridegroom comes.   Heather's One Thing - Make Me A Bethany by Jesus Image Sister Miriam's One Thing - The New Translation from the Liturgy of the Hours (Find Ascension's Version Here) (Find Word on Fire's Version Here) Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - The Spirit of the Liturgy of the Hours by Fr. Boniface Hicks (coming in 2027) Michelle's One Thing - Italian Gnocchi Soup and the Auburn vs Georgia game   Journal Questions: Where is the Lord drawing me into deeper intimacy? How can I love God more extravagantly? What parts of yourself are you holding back from the Lord? How can I make space in my life to fall more in love with God? What places of my heart are dry and in need of encounter?   Discussion Questions: What are you attached to other than God that pulls you away from a deeper relationship with Him? How might God be inviting you to break from routine and love Him more generously? When have you seen an outpouring of intimacy with the Lord draw others (or yourself) closer to Jesus? What is bearing fruit in your life and in the lives of those around you? What are you filling your life with while you wait when it feels like Jesus is delayed?   Quote to Ponder: "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'  Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'  'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'  But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. 'Lord, Lord,' they said, 'open the door for us!' But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you.' Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:1–13)   Scripture for Lectio: "Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him.  Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.  But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said,  "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?"  (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial.  You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."" (John 12:1–8)   Sponsor - Aging with Dignity: Aging with Dignity is a national non-profit organization founded 30 years ago by Jim Towey, who was legal counsel and friend to Saint Teresa of Calcutta for 12 years until her death.   The mission of Aging with Dignity is to defend the rights of all people as they approach the end of life. Mother Teresa urged Jim in a letter, "bring God's love and compassion to the elderly poor." Aging with Dignity is best known for its advance directive, Five Wishes. Five Wishes helps families start and guide advance care planning conversations and then document their wishes. Five Wishes also deals with heart-and-soul issues, like comfort, forgiveness, maintaining dignity and ensuring that your loved ones know what is most important to you. It is available in 33 languages and Braille. Aging with Dignity recently launched a new resource called, Finishing Life Faithfully, A Guide for Catholics on End-of-Life Care. Finishing Life Faithfully is a companion guide for Five Wishes that offers clear guidance on how to follow the moral teachings of the Catholic Church when making important healthcare decisions. Like Five Wishes, it's written in everyday language that's easy to understand. The guide has been endorsed by Cardinals O'Malley and Dolan as well as numerous Bishops and church leaders.   During the Holiday Season, they have a featured product called, "The Gathering Kit." It has multiple Five Wishes and their Five Wishes Conversation Guide to help you start the sometimes difficult, but important conversation about end-of- life care with the ones you love. Not only will your family know your wishes, but they can take this important step themselves. For Abiding Together podcast listeners, they're making a special offer.  Twenty percent off on any Five Wishes resource.  Order at fivewishes.org and use the code "abiding20" at check out to get 20 percent off.  That's fivewishes.org and use the code "abiding20" at check out for 20 percent off all Five Wishes resources.   Timestamps: 00:00 Aging with Dignity 01:30 Intro 02:12 Welcome 04:27 The Costly Oil of Intimacy 07:42 Oil in the Sacraments 09:36 Not Holding Anything Back 11:21 Falling in Love with God 14:41 Oil Leaves A Mark 18:53 The Oil of Preparation 20:56 Setting Aside Times for Prayer 27:14 What Are We Filling Our Lives with When We Feel Jesus is Delayed? 31:42 One Things 34:03 Closing Prayer  

In this episode, we begin a three part series about different elements found in Scripture and today focus on the Potter and clay in Jeremiah. God is constantly forming us, meeting us in the ordinary moments of life and inviting us to trust that His hands are always shaping and building us up. We reflect on how being unfinished is not the same as being abandoned, the ways we can become more open to the Lord's work in our hearts, and how even difficult seasons can reveal the growth He is bringing about in us. The image of the Potter and clay invites us to bring our wounded and unfinished places to the Lord, trusting in His desire to restore us with great care.   Heather's One Thing - 2026 Hallow Summit Sister Miriam's One Thing - Her Pilgrimage to Medjugorje Michelle's One Thing - UNC vs Chapel Hill Game and the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh   Journal Questions: What does the Lord want to reveal to us in the ordinary moments of our lives? Where do you notice God's fingerprints in your life? In what areas of your life do you feel unfinished?  What areas of my life am I hiding from the Lord or others? Where in your life are you struggling to see good fruit?   Discussion Questions: How is the Lord shaping you in this season? How is the Lord holding you in your brokenness? Where in your life are you trying to do too much without God's help? What empty promises are you believing?   Quote to Ponder: "Let us hold on firmly to this basic principle of Catholic cosmology: The devil doesn't have his own clay. All he can do is take God's clay—all of which is "very good" (Gen 1: 31)—and twist it, distort it. The good news is that Christ came into the world to untwist the clay that sin and the devil twisted up. While our understanding of eros is badly in need of rehabilitation, the good news, as papal preacher Raniero Cardinal Cantalamessa reminds us, is that Christ has "come to save the world, beginning with eros, which is the dominant force." (Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty by Christopher West)   Scripture for Lectio: "The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him.  Then the word of the Lord came to me: "Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done?" says the Lord. "Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel."" (Jeremiah 18: 1-6) Sponsor - Pink Salt Riot: What if instead of listening to the voice in your head telling you you're not enough (spoiler alert: that's a lie!), you could embrace the truth? So many of us love Jesus and still carry worry, fear, and the quiet sense that we're falling short. We know what God says about us, but by Monday afternoon the lies can feel louder than the truth. Pink Salt Riot creates meaningful Christian jewelry and gifts designed to inspire faith and joy in everyday life. From wearable reminders of God's love to thoughtful gifts that speak to the soul, our products empower Christians to fight the lies of the culture and live rooted in God's Truth found in His Word. Meet TruthBands. Our elastic TruthBand bracelets feature fun designs on one side and powerful declarations or Scripture quotes on the other, like "Jesus Help Me to See Myself the Way You See Me" and "Surrender it all. Lay down control and let God." They're comfortable enough to wear every day and easy to stack with your favorite pieces. Every glance at your wrist becomes a moment to pause, pray, and abide in Him, carrying your faith from Sunday into the rest of your week. Something for everyone you love. With earrings, necklaces, bracelets, stickers, and more for women, teens, and kids, Pink Salt Riot makes it easy to give an affordable gift that truly means something. We even have gifts for boys & men, too. Whether someone is celebrating a birthday, a sacrament, entering a new season, or walking through a hard one, you'll find a reminder of truth that meets them right where they are. Made for every Christian. Pink Salt Riot is a gathering place for everyone who loves Jesus and wants to know Him more. Even though our owner is a devout Catholic, our gifts are created to speak to what all Christians share, so you can give them with confidence to friends and family across churches and denominations. (Although, we do have some really great Catholic-specific items, too.) Exclusive offer for Abiding Together listeners: Use code ABIDING15 at pinksaltriot.com for 15% off your order. Shop now at pinksaltriot.com → Fight lies. Be free. Love Jesus.   Timestamps: 00:00 Pink Salt Riot 01:30 Intro 02:11 Welcome 05:50 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 07:08 Clay Retains the Fingerprints of the Creator 11:23 Humanity is A Gift 13:29 Being Unfinished Doesn't Mean Being Abandoned 19:00 The Areas We Try to Hide from God 22:21 Trying to Find A Way Around the Cross 25:59 Seeing Fruit Amidst the Work 28:53 Firing the Clay 30:27 One Things

In this episode, we talk about what it means to live an authentically human life in an increasingly digital world. Technology is reshaping the way we live and it affects more than just how we work and play. We reflect on how our thoughts, relationships, and emotions are being influenced, and why we need to be intentional about making space for real, human connection. We share how beauty, creativity, and wonder draw us out of an artificial reality and remind us of the goodness of being human. We also offer practical ideas for finding balance with technology, learning to savor rather than simply consume, and allowing the Lord to rightly order our lives.   Heather's One Thing - Humanality's Digital Detox Program Heather's Other One Thing - Ave Maria Press and Spoonful of Comfort Sister Miriam's One Thing - Therese of Lisieux: Secrets of Joy by Fr Pierre Descouvemont Michelle's One Thing - Ella Langley Shirt from her friends in Auburn and Farmers Markets   Journal Questions: What am I giving my attention to? Where do I need more human formation? How can I create more separation from my phone? What boundaries do I need with technology?   Discussion Questions: What does it look like to interact with technology and not be dominated by it? How is the Lord inviting you to engage your humanity? How have you given into fear about the state of the world? How is God inviting you to live more intentionally?   Quote to Ponder: "The deeper a soul is bound to God, the more completely surrendered to grace, the stronger will be its influence on the form of the Church. Conversely, the more an era is engulfed in the night of sin and estrangement from God the more it needs souls united to God. And God does not permit a deficiency. The greatest figures of prophecy and sanctity step forth out of the darkest night." (Edith Stein)    Scripture for Lectio: "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." (Ephesians 1:17)    Sponsor - Camp Wojtyla: Are you looking for a transformative experience for your middle school or high school student? Camp Wojtyla helps young people fall more in love with Jesus Christ and His Church through epic adventures in the Colorado mountains, awesome community, and huge fun. Camp Wojtyla helps kids learn they are stronger than they thought, and that God is bigger than they could ever have imagined. Camp Wojtyla is nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado on a beautiful, 1200-acre wilderness property, and offers fourteen different single gender programs, giving campers a unique opportunity to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL! We have a God of adventure. He has a story and a plan for each of us. Camp Wojtyla teaches about God and the Catholic Church through authentic and life-changing adventures in creation. In a culture that inundates us with noise, unplugged time on the mountain helps us understand who God is and who He has made us to be. While at Camp Wojtyla, campers experience expertly designed and sequenced programming that helps them understand that they are called to sainthood...and how they can achieve it! Our carefully selected, and highly trained team of staff and counselors are joyful and faithful role models who can't wait to help give your camper their best summer ever! Come check us out at www.camp-w.com. We can't wait to offer you or your child a transformative adventure! The lottery for 2027 programming is open now through October 26th. Sign up today for a chance to experience Life to the Full at Camp Wojtyla this summer! SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK ONLINE TRADING POST STORE   Timestamps: 00:00 Camp Wojtyla 01:31 Intro 02:13 Welcome 03:37 What Does it Mean to Embrace Our Humanity? 07:14 AI Will Change the Way We Live 10:40 Embodied Living 15:38 Experiencing Community in Person 20:13 Beauty is an Antidote to Artificiality 23:16 Making Time for Human Experiences 25:40 Recapping Practical Ways to Live Humanly 27:33 One Things

In this episode, we reflect on how to integrate the rhythms of the liturgical year into our everyday lives. We talk about the different graces available to us in each liturgical season, and how by living these seasons year after year, we are slowly being taught how to thrive. We also reflect on the value of our attention, what it means to be human, and how sacramentals can help call our attention back to God. Living liturgically is not simply another thing to do, but an invitation to become the women God created us to be.   Heather's One Thing - Catholic Artists Sister Miriam's One Thing - All Our Abiding Together Sponsors Michelle's One Thing - Brie and Cheddar Beer Soup   Other Resources Mentioned: Ascension 2027 Planner   Journal Questions: How is the Lord inviting me to embrace liturgical living? Who is the Mother Church inviting you to become in our season of Ordinary Time? What have I been meditating on in daily life and how can I savor the Gospel? Is there somebody or something that has taken God's place at the center of my life? Discussion Questions: How do the Church's liturgical rhythms and practices differ from how you live your life? What holds your attention throughout the day? What would it look like to embody the rhythms of the Church? What's one way you'd like to embrace liturgical living in this season?   Quotes to Ponder: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring) "Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love." (J. R. R. Tolkien, Hobbit Movie)  "The word "liturgy" originally meant a "public work" or a "service in the name of/on behalf of the people." In Christian tradition it means the participation of the People of God in "the work of God." Through the liturgy Christ, our redeemer and high priest, continues the work of our redemption in, with, and through his Church." (CCC 1069)   Scripture for Lectio: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)   Sponsor - Rooted for Good: Radiant Skincare. Wholesome Living. A Greater Mission. Rooted For Good specializes in all-natural skincare and essential oils carefully crafted to nourish your skin while aligning with your values. Founded by a Catholic cosmetologist and mom of six, Rooted was built on the conviction that clean beauty should be affordable and faithful to Goodness, Truth, and Real Beauty. From foaming face washes and sugar scrubs to revitalizing serums and bath soaks, every product is formulated with clean, wholesome ingredients. Rooted products are a win/win—nourishing the body God gave you without compromising your budget or your faith. What the AT Community has to say: Glowing Skin: "IT MAKES MY SKIN ABSOLUTELY GLORIOUSLY GLOWY & HYDRATES MARVELOUSLY." — Julie O. Faith & Beauty: "All natural. All beautiful. All for Jesus." — Alli S. Daily Essentials: "I hope Rooted never stops making this because I don't think I'll find another face wash that I like as much!" — Alison J. Sensitive Skin Success: "I have an autoimmune disease so I have to be very careful, and I have had NO issues with anything!" — Randi B. Hydration Hero: "My face is clearer, softer, and no more dry flakes... I love it and won't use anything else." — Christi T. At-Home Spa: "I feel like I get a little spa visit every night when I put this on." — Jessamyn A. Lash & Brow Care: "The results were beyond anything I expected -- longer, thicker, darker lashes that I absolutely love..." — Nicolette S. Revitalizing Scrubs: "It smells like I'm at a spa retreat... and it leaves my skin wonderfully soft and moisturized." — Mary M. Lasting Transformation: "Using all-natural products consistently has made a real difference in how my skin feels and looks." — Elizabeth B. Good for You, Good for Others From day one, 10% of every sale—not just profit—goes directly to uplifting the poor in developing countries, so that every dollar you spend carries an impact. Special Community Offer: Enjoy 10% off your entire order with code Abide10 at RootedForGood.com/Abide   Timestamps: 00:00 Rooted for Good 01:17 Intro 02:18 Welcome 05:36 The Circular Rhythm of Life 09:07 We Need Holy Order 13:04 What Does it Mean to Be Human? 15:32 God is Meant to Be at the Center 19:15 The Gift of Attention 23:17 Sacramentals to Help Us Remember the Divine 26:58 Where is the Holy Spirit Calling Us? 28:11 One Things

In this episode, we continue our reflection on the mysteries of our lives by exploring our luminous and glorious mysteries. We talk about how God has been inviting us to trust His plans, especially when they look different from our own. We also share how God has been restoring relationships in our lives, reminding us that He is faithful even when we cannot see the full picture of what He is doing. Through these reflections, we are reminded that when God brings something to light, He is inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. And that His glory is often revealed through quiet moments of restoration and redemption.   Luminous - Something the Lord brought to the  light to and an area of pruning, a longing, and ache  Glorious - Something you see the Lord redeeming and restoring (it can still be in process)   Heather's One Thing - The Good Life Hallow Series on Hallow Sister Miriam's One Thing - Oremoose Michelle's One Thing - Dolly Parton and Wendell Berry   Journal Questions: What is a Luminous Mystery of your life in this season? What is a Glorious Mystery of your life in this season? Where in my life am I seeking restoration and God's glory? Which of your relationships are in need of repair?   Discussion Questions: How have the Luminous Mysteries of your life invited you to greater clarity & freedom? How is the Lord bringing deeper integration through your Glorious Mysteries? How have you seen God's glory in the midst of suffering? What's one way that you can tangibly depend more on God this week?   Quote to Ponder: "I often think that the ideal of our perfection that we set up, and often go through torture to achieve, may not be God's idea of how He wants us to be at all. That may be something quite different that we never would have thought of, and what seems like a failure to us may really be something bringing us closer to His will for us." (Caryll Houselander)   Scripture for Lectio: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." (Psalm 34: 4-5)   Sponsor - The Abiding Together Shop: Sweater season is here, and the holidays will be here before we know it! The Abiding Together shop is officially back, and we're celebrating with a special shop sale. Whether you're shopping for yourself or getting a head start on your Christmas list, there's something for every Abiding Together listener—from cozy sweatshirts and long- or short-sleeved shirts to saint story cards, mugs, and leather keychains. We have so many new styles making their debut in the shop, along with some of your favorite products that are finally back in stock. And for a limited time, you can get free shipping on orders over $75! One of the best ways you can support Abiding Together is simply by spreading the word. Wearing your Abiding Together merch out and about is a fun way to share the podcast with the people around you and let others know about the community we're building together. And with free shipping on orders over $75, this is the perfect time to place a group order for your sisters, friends, or small group! Head over to the shop (abidingtogetherpodcast.com), find something you love, and get ready to show off your Abiding Together spirit. We can't wait to see you out there in your Abiding Together merch!   Timestamps: 00:00 The Abiding Together Shop 01:37 Intro 03:00 Luminous Mysteries 12:53 Glorious Mysteries 19:02 One Things

Welcome to Season 19! In this episode, we continue our tradition of reflecting on the mysteries of our lives through the mysteries of the Rosary. In every season of our lives, God invites us to grow in charity, receive His grace, and allow Him to work more deeply in our hearts. It's important to pause from time to time and reflect on how God has been moving in and through our lives. We model what this reflection can look like and share about our joyful and sorrowful mysteries.   Joyful - A delight, an area of gratitude Sorrowful - A hurt or obstacle    Heather's One Thing - Abiding Together and Ascension 2027 Planner Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Good News Conference and everyone who plans events Michelle's One Thing - College Football and Summer Camps   Journal Questions: What has God been doing in my life? What are the Joyful Mysteries of my life in this season? What are the Sorrowful Mysteries of my life in this season? How is the Lord inviting me to surrender the pain of my Sorrowful Mysteries?    Discussion Questions: How is the Lord inviting you to be more awake to Him? How have you experienced deeper integration in your life through your Joyful Mysteries? How is the Lord accompanying you through the Sorrowful Mysteries? How is the Lord transforming your bitter memories into sweetness?   Quote to Ponder: "I often think that the ideal of our perfection that we set up, and often go through torture to achieve, may not be God's idea of how He wants us to be at all. That may be something quite different that we never would have thought of, and what seems like a failure to us may really be something bringing us closer to His will for us." (Caryll Houselander)   Scripture for Lectio: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." (Psalm 34: 4-5)   Sponsor - CORDA: Bring the coziness of candlelight and beautiful scents to your home with CORDA's Catholic candles. These candles are made with clean coconut wax and custom fragrances directly inspired by saints and the faith, and are handcrafted by a husband-and-wife team. Each candle comes beautifully packaged and ready for gifting, with the story behind the scent inspiration on the box. The timeless design of the candle leads with beauty, helping you share the faith in a lovely and meaningful way. Explore CORDA's beautiful Catholic candles and, through November 15, save 10% with code ABIDING10 at cordacandles.com/abiding   Timestamps: 00:00 CORDA 01:21 Intro 02:03 Welcome 05:00 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 09:53 Joyful Mysteries 20:38 Sorrowful Mysteries 37:44 One Things 40:32 Closing Prayer

To read Sr. Miriam's Letter, visit the Friends of the Bridegroom's website.

In this episode, we conclude our book study on Friendship in the Lord and welcome Fr. John Burns, Founder of Friends of the Bridegroom, to the podcast. We reflect on our deep longing to be known and loved and the ways fear can cause us to cling to others or settle for lesser goods. We talk about hoping for the possibility of beautiful friendship, even when our own experience has been marked by loneliness, disappointment, or suffering. We also discuss the beauty of celibate friendship as a witness to the primacy of God's love, the role of feedback in relationships, and how the limitations we encounter in friendship ultimately reveal the deeper truth that we were made for God. Friends, we feel so blessed to have been able to journey with you this summer. We will see you on September 28th for the start of Season 19! Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram to receive updates!   Announcement: You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions: How has God moved my heart through this book study? Where in my heart am I longing for more hope in my relationships? How has this book study given me more hope for more friendships? How am I avoiding suffering? What are my relational patterns when I experience joy? Shame? Suffering? How have I been tempted to idolize friendship by seeing a friend as my savior?   Discussion Questions: What has resonated with you in the book? How do you want to show up to your friendships differently? What would it look like to have hope in difficult or painful relationships? How are you seeking to grow in maturity in your friendships?   Quote to Ponder: "There is no true love without reverence. And reverence is always tender." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 115)   Scripture for Lectio: "He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled." (John 3:29)   Sponsor - Ave Maria Press: Enjoyed reading Friendship in the Lord this summer? Ave Maria Press has even more spiritual titles you'll love. Explore more Christian classics, find your next small group  book study or daily Advent companion, and discover guides to deeper healing and spiritual confidence. Ave Maria Press has curated a collection specifically for Abiding Together listeners—encounter your next meaningful read at avemariapress.com.   Timestamps: 00:00 Ave Maria Press 01:24 Intro 03:03 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote 06:10 Appreciation and the Fear of Being Alone 10:19 Hope for What Friendship Can Be 14:01 The Fear of Suffering 20:14 Becoming Who We Are Meant to Be 28:05 Self-Knowledge in Friendship 30:24 The Beauty of Celibate Friendships 38:47 Encountering Loneliness 43:52 Seeing Another's Potential 48:17 Closing Prayer

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and reflect on the gift of friendship as a foretaste of heaven and a living image of God's love. We talk about how we are meant to journey through life with each other, how God bonds us together along the way, and how these friendships are meant to last forever. We also discuss the gift of praising God for our friends, what it means to behold and not possess beauty, and how focusing on gratitude allows us to hold joy and sorrow in tension.    Announcement: You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions: Who has accompanied you through the valleys and mountaintops of your life? When do I show up to my friendships from a place of woundedness, deficiency, or insecurity? How is the Lord inviting me into deeper security? What is the Lord inviting me to delight in? How have I turned my unmet expectations into demands in my friendships?   Discussion Questions: What are you grateful for? Where in your life are you experiencing the Lord's presence in the midst of suffering? When have unmet expectations turned into demands on a relationship?  How do you cultivate delight and gratitude in your life?   Quote to Ponder: "Friends in the Lord always turn one another toward the Lord. They are not forever gazing at each other, but together they look to the Lord and to their brothers and sisters in the Lord." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 101)   Scripture for Lectio: "We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.  But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,  from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:14-17)    Sponsor - Word on Fire's new film, Heaven in Stone and Glass, produced in partnership with Spirit Juice Studios: Beauty has the power to draw us beyond ourselves and point us toward something more. One of our favorite places in the United States is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. When we are there, beauty has a way of speaking to the ache that we can't name. It is as though our soul knows where it belongs. It feels like a homecoming. Word on Fire's Heaven in Stone and Glass is a new film exploring the beauty, meaning, and evangelizing power of sacred architecture. Journey across France with Bishop Barron as he explores five of the world's most iconic Gothic cathedrals: Chartres, Notre-Dame, Reims, Amiens, and Saint-Denis. Through soaring arches, stained glass, sacred imagery, and centuries of history, Bishop Barron reveals the theological meaning embedded within these extraordinary spaces and explores why their beauty continues to stir something deep within the human soul. Heaven in Stone and Glass invites believers and skeptics alike on a cinematic pilgrimage and asks us to consider what these sacred spaces have proclaimed for centuries: that beauty can reveal something about God and awaken us to the transcendent. Word on Fire's Heaven in Stone and Glass, a production of Spirit Juice Studios, is coming to theaters nationwide on September 20th and 23rd. Get tickets for yourself or a group here: https://heaveninstoneandglass.com   Timestamps:  00:00 Heaven in Stone and Glass 01:38 Intro 02:42 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 05:07 Friendship is Meant to Last Forever 10:13 Faith as the Foundation of Friendship 12:05 Mature Love Gives Deepened Life to Others 13:39 Praising God for Your Friendships 17:20 Beholding Beauty in Others 20:11 Asking God for Gratitude 24:28 Closing Prayer