Abiding Together

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:
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What the AT Community has to say:
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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