Bible Study Evangelista Show: Recent Episodes
Sonja Corbitt Catholic Bible Study
love and lift all you’ve been given // Catholic media created with you in mind, Bible study spinach that taste like cake. What’s an “evangelista”? Find out at biblestudyevangelista.com.
Is purgatory a place or a Person? Afraid of suffering and purification?Be free from the fear of God's punishment and delve into the mysteries of sanctification with me in this episode of our series on Christian freedom.Discover purgatory not as a fiery torture chamber of punishment, but as God's purifying love, as I share how our Heavenly Father healed me from a rage-fueled father wound in this truth.Explore what the Bible calls God's "consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:29) -- from Genesis' covenant torch to the Holy Spirit's descent -- distinguishing eternal/temporal punishment and mortal/venial sin.Unpack particular judgment as a loving revelation, not wrath, and sanctification as a state of the soul in divine mercy (1 Cor 3:15). Embrace purification, recognize suffering as personal growth, and find freedom from the fear of it. Reflect on God's tenderness, cooperate with His healing, and step into His grace.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show. Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study!What are you waiting for? Come join us for our next Monthly Meetup Bible study on the Sacred Holy Trinity!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Does this view on purgatory clear up any fear associated with it for you? What do you want to say to the Holy Spirit about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, with the Holy Spirit your Beloved Spouse, lend me your wisdom and illumine my heart and mind so I may become free to glorify God by reaching my full potential. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-15:00 – OT types of God as "fire"Minutes 15:01-30:00 – What the Church says about purgatoryMinutes 30:01-45:00 – Heaven, hell, and purgatory as states of the soul in God; Thomas Aquinas on purgatory as a PersonTranscriptTranscripts and CC are now provided automatically within both the audio and video players.
Should we fear death? Why do we?"Memento Mori" is the ancient practice of remembering death, and how Christ’s resurrection turns it into a hopeful transition (Phil 1:21, "to die is gain"). Probe the mystery of Jesus’ descent to the dead, the Church’s teachings on near-death experiences, reincarnation, pre-existing souls, and a cautious perspective on psychedelics, marrying centuries of timeless wisdom from the Church Fathers and Catechism with modern insights. Learn to embrace the Holy Spirit's divine illumination, and prepare for eternity in love and peace. Whether you’re pondering the resurrection, mourning a loved one, or are just curious about the soul’s eternal journey, this episode offers a roadmap to freedom from the fear of death.Weigh the mysteries of death and learn to anticipate a new frontier of wonder with me.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show. Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study!What are you waiting for? Come join us Monday the 22nd for our Monthly Meetup Bible study as we finish up the Gospel of John, and begin to study the Sacred Holy Trinity!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Does death seem exciting to you at all? What do you need to do to prepare better for the inevitability of your death? What do you want to say to God about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, with the Holy Spirit your Beloved Spouse, lend me your wisdom and illumine my heart and mind so I may become free to glorify God by reaching my full potential. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-15:00 – Christ's death and "Harrowing of Hell"Minutes 15:01-30:00 – Thomas Aquinas' eight articles on deathMinutes 30:01-45:00 – near-death experiences, reincarnation, pre-existing soulsMinutes 45:01-60:00 – the Church Fathers on death TranscriptTranscripts and CC are now provided automatically within both the audio and video players.
Does God want to scare us? Death. Judgment. Hell. My own or someone else's. This is what most Christians fear the most. But fear of God and The Last Things is about punishment. And the Bible says there is no punishment in love.What does it mean to "fear" God, if "there is no fear in love" (1 Jn 4:18)?Unpack the shift from fear to love, exploring death, judgment, heaven, and purgatory as a journey of purifying love. Embrace the Holy Spirit's grace, dare to be transparent with God, and step into hope.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Gina S; Theresa VP; Denise H; Colette G; Angela C; Noel N; Sharon T; Estelle C; Carolyn McG; and Katy P, for loving and lifting me! (special thank you ;) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study!What are you waiting for? Come join us Monday the 22nd for our Monthly Meetup Bible study as we finish up the Gospel of John, and begin to study the Sacred Holy Trinity!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Were you convicted of something in this episode that you need to bring to God for discussion and illumination? Ask Him, now, to bring anything to mind that He might want you to know.V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, with the Holy Spirit your Beloved Spouse, lend me your wisdom and illumine my heart and mind so I may become free to glorify God by reaching my full potential. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-15:00 – The Four Last Things; explanation of eternal lifeMinutes 15:01-30:00 – definition of "wrath"; why wrath "abides on the ungodly"Minutes 30:01-45:00 – death, judgment, heaven, & hell are all "a development of premises set by people in this life" (JPII)Minutes 45:01-60:00 – wrath for the unrepentant, mercy for the children TranscriptTranscripts and CC are now provided automatically within both the audio and video players.
If you're confessing the same sin over and over, you probably feel like you're never going to be free of it. But that's a lie of the enemy, meant to keep you enslaved.Let's strategize with St. Augustine’s three stages of sin (suggestion, pleasure, consent) and Sonja's proven 4-step STOP method, and get you free in Jesus!Conquer addictions like porn, anxiety, or overeating. Learn to walk in the Spirit, rewire your brain, and shatter shame’s chains with practical tools. From personal battles to biblical wisdom, this episode and series equips you to live "free indeed"!Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Gina S; Theresa VP; Denise H; Colette G; Angela C; Noel N; Sharon T; Estelle C; Carolyn McG; and Katy P, for loving and lifting me! (special thank you ;) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study!What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study as we finish up the Gospel of John, and begin to study the Sacred Holy Trinity!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Take a few moments to strategize what you will do to battle your usual tempting thoughts the next time they arise. What will you distract yourself with? With what will you replace the usual behavior? For instance, when I battle self-medication, I make a cup of my favorite tea rather than reaching for the usual "thing." Typically, in the time it takes, and the almost-ceremonial process of making tea, the temptation has subsided enough that I can resist it. What will your new "replacement strategy" be? What do you want to say to the Holy Spirit about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, with the Holy Spirit your Beloved Spouse, lend me your wisdom and illumine my heart and mind so I may become free to glorify God by reaching my full potential. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – what is "sin," exactly?; is my body evil? Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Augustine's stages of sin; suggestionMinutes 24:01-36:00 – second and third stages of sin; learning to STOP Minutes 36:01-48:00 – S-sin not; T-tell God; O-Offer the right sacrifice; P-put your trust in GodTranscriptTranscripts and CC are now provided automatically within both the audio and video players.
How do I make godly decisions when my needs or preferences clash with someone else's, especially someone who is important to me, such as my spouse or parents? Using the principle of edification over gratification from 1 Corinthians 8, we learn when to put others’ spiritual growth (e.g., avoiding scandal with meat offered to idols) above self-interest, and when to LEAN IN to self-interest (e.g., doom scrolling).Sonja shares her contraception dilemma, balancing freedom and legalism when faced with her husband’s salvation, guided by prayer and the Catechism’s call to dignity (1738). Discover how to set boundaries (e.g., skipping family Christmas) and use Ignatius’ discernment rules for mature Christian liberty. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Gina S; Theresa VP; Denise H; Colette G; Angela C; Noel N; Sharon T; Estelle C; Carolyn McG; and Katy P, for loving and lifting me! (special thank you ;) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study!What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)In what situation has the Holy Spirit spoken to you through this episode about choosing between edification and gratification? What do you want to say to Him about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, with the Holy Spirit your Beloved Spouse, lend me your wisdom and illumine my heart and mind so I may become free to glorify God by reaching my full potential. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Spirit vs flesh; others over self Minutes 12:01-24:00 – social media scrolling?; meat on Fridays?Minutes 24:01-36:00 – when your boundaries offend; parents; contraception Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Catholics and non-Catholics in decision making; evaluating Christian witness TranscriptTranscripts and CC are now provided automatically within both the audio and video players.
What’s okay to eat and drink? Can I EVER eat cake if I’m diabetic, or drink alcohol if I struggle with temperance? Should I veil or not? Charismatic or traditional? TLM or Novus Ordo? How does a Christian make godly decisions in specific situations when the Bible and the church are unclear, or such "rules" are imposed by others? If you’re stuck in your own or someone else’s spiritual minutiae of “you should or you have to or you must do this or that” to be a REAL Christian or a GOOD Catholic, it’s likely because you’re following imposed rules rather than living in the Christian freedom Jesus died to give you.Living in freedom is Christian maturity. It’s an art of love.The good news is…There is a right answer.Paul said “For freedom Christ has set you free! Do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.”Learn biblical principles for Christian freedom, and you will know when to keep the rules and when to break them.Today we’re talking about the purpose of Christian freedom.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Karin S, Mary M, and Antonia R for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study!What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)What's that "castle" of idealism you've built in your mind? How does it enslave you to arbitrary and unrealistic expectations and rules that God has not imposed? What are the demands such ideas make on your personality and temperament that are unnatural for you? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, with the Holy Spirit your Beloved Spouse, lend me your wisdom and illumine my heart and mind so I may become free to glorify God by reaching my full potential. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Moses and the Exodus from Egyptian slavery; whacking the rock Minutes 12:01-24:00 – the glory of God; a painful tyrannical childhood Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Eden's trees; irrational expectations Minutes 36:01-48:00 – the purpose of freedom in Christ TranscriptFriends of the Show, sign in first to download a transcript of this episode: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Get your copy of Love Heals here and participate with us in the Book Club. There’s a word for that Jesus-confusion you’re feeling that's keeping you stuck: it’s called spiritual bypassing. It's pretty rare to see or hear about spiritual bypassing in Catholic clerical or professional circles. It’s often completely unheard of and/or misunderstood by those of us with faith who are trying to heal, and this is part of why we get stuck and confused in trying to make sense of what is love and what is not, when to erect a boundary and when to just "offer it up."It's also sometimes called over-spiritualizing. Spiritual bypassing is a very real issue that prevents change when we refuse to work through natural causes that we can actually do something about.“Offer it up!” can be a major spiritual bypass: used this way, it dismisses your own and others feelings and experiences. The whole idea of redemptive suffering can be, and is often, twisted to mean God wants you to suffer because it’s good for you! or the Kingdom, or someone else. So what is spiritual bypassing, why does it happen, and how we can navigate it using insights from Scripture, Psychology, and Catholic teaching?Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Karin S, Mary M, and Antonia R for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study! What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)What are you not facing? Where is the area of your life that you have begged God to fix without also looking for what He might want you to do or stop doing? How is this spiritual bypassing? What does He want you to do next?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, illumine my eye, speak to my ear, that I may see and hear Your word, and be healed. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – new series; what is spiritual bypassing? Minutes 12:01-24:00 – why do we spiritually bypass Minutes 24:01-36:00 – consequences of spiritual bypassing Minutes 36:01-48:00 – examples of spiritual bypassing; steps to detect and avoid spiritual bypassing TranscriptFriends of the Show, sign in first to download a transcript of this episode: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Get your copy of Love Heals here and participate with us in the Book Club. These stages of prayer and faith can save your sanity throughout your spiritual life.When you feel lost in darkness and dryness and like God has suddenly "left the building" after an extended time of fruitful prayer; when you don't understand your neighbor's rude rigid faith and she is criticizing your Christian freedom; when you wonder how the road looks up ahead, the Stages of Prayer and Stages of Faith will help you find secure footing and understand others better throughout the rest of your spiritual life.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Karin S, Mary M, and Antonia R for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study! What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Can you discern which stage of prayer and which stage of faith you might be in? Does having a general road map for the spiritual path give you a little more peace? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, illumine my eye, speak to my ear, that I may see and hear Your word, and be healed. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Parable of the TalentsMinutes 12:01-24:00 – Purgative Way, Night of the Senses, Illuminative WayMinutes 24:01-36:00 – Dark Night of the Soul, Unitive Way; Primal, Intuitive-Projective, Mythic-Literal, and Synthetic-Conventional Stages Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Individual-Reflective, Conjunctive, and Universalizing StagesTranscriptFriends of the Show, sign in first to download a transcript of this episode: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Get your copy of Love Heals here and participate with us in the Book Club. Benedict XVI said healing is the entire content of redemption. John Paul the Great told us, "In treating the human person as a psychological and physical 'whole', the Old Testament often links 'moral' sufferings with the pain of specific parts of the body: the bones, kidneys, liver, viscera, heart. In fact one cannot deny that moral sufferings have a 'physical' or somatic element, and that they are often reflected in the state of the entire organism" (Redemptive Suffering, II.6).In order to love God with all our strength, we learn to love ourselves and our neighbor in an ordered way. Learning to accept ourselves and our bodies as intrinsically good helps heal "moral sufferings" - dark emotions and disordered thoughts (stress); outdated coping mechanisms; and subconscious projections and conflicts that affect and accumulate in our bodies.Thoughts and emotions are energy - signals that trigger cascading effects across bodily systems. Managing them consciously heals heart, soul, mind, and body!Prayer, thanksgiving, practicing the present moment (as St. Francis DeSales taught), and daily LOVE the Word can regulate emotions and reframe thoughts, reducing negative physical effects.Physical activity, healthy diet, and adequate sleep support emotional resilience and bodily health.Social connections and expressive outlets (music, journaling, art) help process emotions, preventing somatic buildup.But if dark thoughts and emotions are not processed and able to flow freely through us, they accumulate. And where they accumulate in the body is the message in our pain.Here are some specific illnesses and parts of the body and how they can express pain.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Deborah E for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study! What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Choose one physical symptom and place your attention on that part of your body. Without judgment, notice how it feels. If it could speak, what would the symptom say? What is it trying to communicate to you about your thoughts and emotions?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, illumine my eye, speak to my ear, that I may see and hear Your word, and be healed. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – redemptive suffering; inherent goodness; "the body will be full of light"Minutes 12:01-24:00 – the lamp of the body is the eye; fully alive, fully authenticMinutes 24:01-36:00 – top to bottom: head and face problemsMinutes 36:01-48:00 – issues from the neck to the toesTranscriptFriends of the Show, sign in first to download a transcript of this episode: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Get your copy of Love Heals here and participate with us in the Book Club. Notice the word "think" in the title? Your mind is the battlefield, and if you don't fight the lies you came to believe about yourself in your suffering - if they reign unchallenged - God will let you keep them. Yes, He is that respectful of your free will. Your mind is the battlefield, and if you don't fight, the lies win. You will never have peace. Your body cannot heal in a mental soup of distorted thinking, in a disease-ridden cockroach nest of lies.If you think God has abandoned you, He is not Lord of your mind; the enemy is. The truth is: Jesus bore all your abandonment on the Cross and says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."Why are we so deaf to the truth of God's love for us? Because we do not know and believe (live from) God’s Word. In commenting on the deaf man's healing, the Church Fathers say that listening to and speaking evil makes one deaf and mute; a deaf person cannot hear the words of God nor open his mouth to speak them. But let us not assume “evil” is merely some form of malice or occult practice, although they’re certainly evil. Rather, Jesus told the Pharisees in John 8 that their root evil was lies, and that the “father of lies” had captured their minds. Throughout the Old and New Testaments we learn that “evil” is ultimately a “heart of unbelief.” As long as we cannot or will not, whether out of ignorance or laziness, hear or speak God’s word of truth into our lives and live from it in faith, we remain tyrannized by lies and a lack of belief in God’s love. The lies we come to believe about ourselves often take root early in our development. “The purification of our hearts has to do with paternal and maternal images,” (CCC 2779). It is these accusations that we probe with the Holy Spirit in the “mind” part of our pop quizzes: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind…” Satan is called the accuser of the brethren who accuses them day and night (Rev 12:10). Accusations and lies are the enemy’s primary tool against us. When we listen to his accusations and lies, we live in agreement with him. God forbid!Rewiring the brain out of distorted thought patterns (lies) takes time, but here's the most effective, scientifically proven cognitive technique for anxiety and fear, depression, insomnia, anorexia, PTSD, OCD, perfectionism - a whole nest of cockroaches that scavenges and breeds from lies in the mind. This is how to love the Lord your God with all your mind.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Marguerite E for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study! What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)With the Holy Spirit and in His presence, ask Him, "What is the earliest lie I came to believe about myself in my suffering?" V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, illumine my eye, speak to my ear, that I may see and hear You word, and be healed. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app,
Get your copy of Love Heals here and participate with us in the Book Club. In Love Heals I state, "You don't need to be fixed; you just need to be healed." What's the difference? Freedom. Gentleness. Patience. Peace. Love.Don't you need that?It seems too obvious to state, but machines and organisms differ fundamentally. We don’t “heal” machines, we “fix” them. Living things heal according to their nature; “healing” is organic. Take a look at some of these differences, and notice how inherently mechanical, forced, rushed, and harsh our modern ideas and methods for healing are.1. Nature of HealingOrganisms: Healing in living things is a biological process, involving inter-related systems. In humans, healing involves spiritual and emotional processes and systems as well as biology.Machines: Machines don’t heal; they are “fixed” or repaired. Repair is an external process requiring outside intervention, such as replacing parts. A broken gear in a machine doesn’t "grow back" but must be manually fixed or replaced.2. AutonomyOrganisms: Healing is autonomous and intrinsic. The body detects damage and initiates repair without external instructions, using systems such as the immune system or stem cells. For instance, living things are designed to maintain homeostasis, a dynamic process that enables living organisms to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. Machines: Repair is not autonomous. It relies on outside intervention, not organic self-regulation such as homeostasis.3. Energy and ResourcesOrganisms: Healing uses living internal resources (e.g., nutrients, energy from metabolism) to rebuild living tissues. For example, a plant may redirect sap to damaged areas; a human body uses proteins to repair muscles.Machines: Repair requires external resources, like spare parts, fuel, or electricity. A car with a flat tire needs a new tire or patch kit applied by a mechanic, not its own "energy reserves."4. Complexity and AdaptabilityOrganisms: Healing is adaptive and context-dependent. The body can adjust its response based on the injury’s severity or environment (e.g., scarring vs. full regeneration in some animals like starfish). Organisms can also adapt to prevent future damage, like callus formation on skin.Machines: Repair is typically rigid and predetermined. A machine lacks the flexibility to adapt beyond its programming. Damage outside a machine’s design parameters often requires entirely new external solutions.5. Time and ProcessOrganisms: Healing is often gradual, involving complex biological stages (e.g., inflammation, proliferation, remodeling in wound healing). It can take days to months, depending on the organism and injury.Machines: Repair time depends on the availability of parts and expertise. Simple fixes (e.g., rebooting a computer) can be instant, while complex repairs (e.g., rebuilding an engine) may take longer than organic healing. Unlike organisms, machines don’t have a phased, self-regulating process.6. OutcomeOrganisms: Healing often aims to restore function, sometimes with imperfections (e.g., scars). In some cases, organisms can fully regenerate (e.g., a lizard regrowing a tail).Machines: Repairs aim to restore original function, but the outcome depends on the quality of both the old and new parts and the skill of the mechanic. Unlike organisms, machines don’t form "scars" or adaptively regenerate; they either return to original specs or remain compromised.Healing is not mechanical. You do not need to be fixed like a machine; you need to be healed. And healing involves the autonomous, adaptive complexity of innumerable inter-related systems within both you and your neighbor.The "fixing" mentality is degrading: disrespectful of life, individuality, and personhood itself. You're not a machine, and neither is your neighbor. You are a living, organic group of inter-related processes, and so is your neighbor.
Get your copy of Love Heals here and participate with us in the Book Club. If 80-90% of all physical issues have emotional and spiritual roots as research indicates, then it's imperative to address those in healing the whole person. Besides unforgiveness, judgments are - in my opinion - the biggest block to healing, because they blind us to inherent contradictory truths in ourselves and others that need acceptance and illumination. They lead to hypocrisy and can make us forfeit heaven altogether, as the Pharisees illustrate.Projections block healing by distorting reality and preventing us from addressing our true emotions, thoughts, or experiences. Psychologically, projection is a defense mechanism where someone attributes their own unwanted feelings, traits, or impulses to another person or external situation, often unconsciously. Every human being projects, but judgments hinder healing in several ways:Avoiding Self-Awareness: By projecting negative emotions (like anger, shame, or fear) onto others, we avoid confronting these feelings within ourselves. Healing requires self-reflection and acknowledgment of one's inner contradictions, but projection shifts the focus outward, delaying or preventing this process.Distorting Relationships: Projections strain relationships by creating misunderstandings or misplaced blame. For example, someone who feels unworthy might project this onto others, perceiving rejection where none exists. This can lead to isolation or conflict, which obstructs the supportive connections often vital for healing.Reinforcing Negative Patterns: Projection keeps individuals stuck in cycles of denial or avoidance. For instance, blaming external circumstances for personal dissatisfaction prevents addressing root causes like unresolved trauma or unhealthy coping mechanisms.Blocking Emotional Processing: Healing involves processing painful emotions, but projection externalizes these feelings, preventing the individual from fully experiencing and working through them. This can prolong emotional wounds or exacerbate issues like anxiety or depression.Blocking Spiritual Processing: Projection is outward-directed rather than inward integration. Outward focus blocks growth by keeping individuals disconnected from their authentic selves and God. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Christine C; Kathleen D; Donna H; Vivian Van V; Cecilia S; Lisa D; and Kathleen W, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study! What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)What was the last instance in which you felt judgmental toward another person? Perhaps you'd like to ask the Holy Spirit to help you probe the condemnation and accusation as a projection of something within yourself. V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, illumine my eye, speak to my ear, that I may see and hear You word, and be healed. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support,
Get your copy of Love Heals here and participate with us in the Book Club. Ever wonder what your purgatory and heaven will be like, assuming you'll get there? Where we end here limits and determines our "there..." (Eccl 11:3).Bracing against and ignoring pain does not protect you from it.It simply delays and compounds the inevitable confrontation and makes the struggle more difficult. In the meantime, we stay trapped in hurt and fear, missing most everything Christ suffered and died to give us and limiting our heaven.Healing isn’t an abstract application—it’s about living lighter, loving and being loved deeply, and experiencing true joy and freedom. A listener asked why anyone would want to undertake more healing if it only involves more suffering?It's such an excellent question I'm dedicating an episode to inspiring you to "take up the cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the Lord" so that your purgatory is as painless as possible and your heaven is maximized.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Molly M; Denise S; Lynn B; Jerilyn M; Marilyn P; Heather C; Kimberly Y; Jennifer C; Jean C; and Karen C, for loving and lifting me! [*An extra thank you for your generosity.] Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study! What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)What was the most surprising thing you heard in today's episode? Is it comforting, or daunting, to know "healing" is inevitable? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, illumine my eye, speak to my ear, that I may see and hear You word, and be healed. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Book club in the Community; just more punches and knocks; "healing is the entire content of redemption" (BXVI); attachments; sin and woundednessMinutes 12:01-24:00 – fear vs. fear of the Lord; holiness as transparency; "you will pay the last penny"; what "residue of sin" looks like Minutes 24:01-36:00 – now or later?; purgatory and sanctification; the love arteryMinutes 36:01-48:00 – Eccl 11:3 and the finality of our choices; purification is individual, generational, timeless, and collectiveTranscriptFriends of the Show, sign in first to download a transcript of this episode: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Get your copy of Love Heals here and participate with us in the Book Club. We're talking about emotions, especially for those of us who tend to push them down or ignore them. As Catholics, we know that God gave us our hearts and our emotions for a reason. But what do we do when those dark, negative feelings bubble up, especially in a pop quiz when they're super strong?.Eruptions? Vomit? Pretending? How do we really feel our emotions and process them in healthy ways so they don't accumulate in our bodies and make us sick over time, or explode all over other people?.We're exploring the six main emotions, how to spot them in our bodies, and how to process them well through a Catholic lens so they don't wear us down over time. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Beth L, and Trish F for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study! What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)What was the most surprising thing you learned about your emotions and emotional state in this episode? Do you feel comfortable with the full range of human emotion? Why or why not?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, illumine my eye, speak to my ear, that I may see and hear You word, and be healed. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – why we suppress emotions; the importance of processing in healthy ways; six core emotionsMinutes 12:01-24:00 – emotions are neutral; Thomas Aquinas and passionsMinutes 24:01-36:00 – learning to discern emotion in the body; the barometer of relationships; observe, befriend, discern, and processMinutes 36:01-48:00 – name it; don't run; move; what's the message?TranscriptFriends of the Show, sign in first to download a transcript of this episode: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Get your copy of Love Heals here and participate with us in the Book Club. Feelings and thoughts are energy that affect the body and vice versa.When confronted with difficult emotions, most people employ maladaptive ways for coping with undesirable feelings, such as self-medicating or denial. Although maladaptive coping mechanisms offer relief in the moment, they lead to illness; they do not facilitate the long-term improvement of addressing the actual source of discomfort. What if, instead, we leaned into these unpleasant feelings as messages between our bodies and our spirits?Allowing undesirable emotions to exist, rather than banishing or denying them, prevents them from accumulating in the body. They are allowed to flow through us harmlessly. The body becomes "full of light" (Matt 6:22-23). Here's how love heals the mind and body. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Theresa Ann DeB; Diana Von G; Amira B; Jennifer D; Wendy McC; Elizabeth K; Theresa M; Rochelle P; and Deborah W, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study! What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Think back to your most recent pop quiz, and allow yourself to re-feel the undesirable emotions, think the dark thoughts, and entertain the ugly judgments. Notice in your body where you feel increasing or decreasing activity. What do you feel in your body as you re-remember your pop quiz? Do you have reoccurring physical issues in these areas? Turn your attention to an area in your body where you do have reoccurring issues. Ask the symptom what it might be trying to tell you. V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, illumine my eye, speak to my ear, that I may see and hear You word, and be healed. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Parable of the Talents; cockroaches; anxiety, fear, and negativityMinutes 12:01-24:00 – lies; worthlessness; a demon with a proper nameMinutes 24:01-36:00 – "the eye is the lamp of the body"Minutes 36:01-48:00 – physical symptoms and what they might be communicating
Get your copy of Love Heals here and participate with us in the Book Club. Love saves us. We are healed by love; we are healed for love. Healing is your rightful inheritance as a child of God through Jesus Christ. We must learn to receive and give authentic love--heart, soul, mind, and strength--the first and greatest commandment according to Jesus in Mark 12:30."Healing is an essential dimension of the apostolic mission and of Christian faith in general. When understood at a sufficiently deep level, this expresses the entire content of redemption" (Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict XVI).Here's how God loves and heals your heart and soul.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Theresa Ann DeB; Diana Von G; Amira B; Jennifer D; Wendy McC; Elizabeth K; Theresa M; Rochelle P; and Deborah W, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study! What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Can you identify your most recent pop quiz? Did you learn anything new about yourself and your reactions after listening to this talk? What about forgiveness and judgments? Any surprises there?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, illumine my eye, speak to my ear, that I may see and hear You word, and be healed. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – neediness; God's way of repetition; pop quizzes Minutes 12:01-24:00 – fight or flight; "be angry"; two types of sinful anger; puppies; processing dark emotions Minutes 24:01-36:00 – worshippping oneself; unforgiveness is demonic tortureMinutes 36:01-48:00 – fig leaves; how to discern self-knowledge in your judgments
In order to finally and fully heal from pain and illness we must all become consciously aware of various issues in our personal development, subconscious conflicts, and how we have learned to deal with stress. Thoughts and emotions are energy. If they aren’t processed and able to flow freely through us, they accumulate. And where they accumulate in the body is the message in our pain.Here are a few specific illnesses and parts of the body and how they can express pain.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Judi D; Julie F; and Ben G, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and access to our monthly Bible study! What are you waiting for? Come join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)What's the difference between "thinking" and "feeling"? If you're in chronic pain or illness - and even if you're just curious about your nominal physical symptoms - can you ask the Holy Spirit to help you detach from the fear of pain and the pain itself, to discern with Him the emotions that want to finally be heard and known? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, illumine my eye, speak to my ear, that I may see and hear You word, and be healed. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – subconscious conflicts; an example Minutes 12:01-24:00 – allergies; asthma; diabetes; cancer; drugs and alcohol; heart; breast and female issues; arthritis Minutes 24:01-36:00 – liver; skin; Redemptive Suffering (JPII); a new healing method that follows Jesus' Way; not superstitionMinutes 36:01-48:00 – once you know where and why your symptoms exist, what now?; seven steps to listening to the messages your body might be communicatingTranscriptFriends of the Show, sign in first to download a transcript of this episode: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Let me guess.You terrorize yourself with this type of catastrophizing thought on a frequent or regular basis:I’m going to feel this way forever.I will never be out of pain/fatigue/sickness.The pain will never end.I have GOT to figure this out.I’ve tried everything and nothing works.What is my pain level? Is it worse or better? What about now?I feel a little better, but what about tomorrow?Is that a new symptom?When will my next crash or flare be? Is it imminent?Healing is biblical.It’s a promise, in some measure, always. Jesus never told anybody who was suffering to just “offer it up.” He always healed. He still always heals, but He knows our problems are deeper than bones and organs and other physical structures, so everyone He healed in the Bible – even Lazarus who was resuscitated – was sent back into their lives to learn to love and heal some more. Here's how to get permanent relief.For real.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Diane K; Cherie T; Rosemary L; and Gina K, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Want to join us for our Monthly Meetup Bible study in the Gospel of John? Our next meeting is tonight!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)What and where do you need physical healing? Do you believe He wants to heal you? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Almighty God, grant us the grace to hope in you with unwavering trust, that we may draw close enough to experience the "too wonderful" of you. As we begin this season of Advent, may our hearts be filled with the hope and wonder that comes from knowing your promises are true. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – the only two methods of healing offered in the Church right now; the "third way" Jesus uses Minutes 12:01-24:00 – the mind-body connection in the Bible, the church, and medicine Minutes 24:01-36:00 – the real cause of chronic conditions; how pain begins in the brain and becomes chronic Minutes 36:01-48:00 – rewiring the pain path in the brain; practical steps to relief; stopping the "fear-loop"TranscriptFriends of the Show, sign in first to download a transcript of this episode: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
I've heard from many of you who are already experiencing pop quizzes related to holiday celebrations, so here are six Ps for navigating the holidays and making them more peaceful and happy: Predict, Prepare, Plan, Priorities, Peace, Pivot. And here's how to elevate your base-line happiness, because thanksgiving is a multiplier!Don't all of your issues seem to be exacerbated by the holiday season? We're spending increased amounts of time with people and/or family who may have wounded us or still do. We may feel pressured and obligated by Great Expectations for how things "should" be. Perhaps we labor under the financial burden such expectations add; the sometimes extreme changes in environment, sleep, and schedules at work and with travel that can cause burnout; the many occasions for over-stimulation for us or our kids; the sheer amounts and types of food; stifling grief while feeling forced to put on the happy face; sibling rivalries; inferiority complexes; self-medication and addiction triggers; seasonal depression and lack of sunlight; questions and insinuations from others about "where you are" in life. If all of that feels overwhelming to you, perhaps you can see why the holiday season causes your inner child to feel distressed and begin "acting out" in order to get your attention? And why all the guilt for simply wanting to hibernate until the whole season is over, or needing to limit exposure to the entire bit? What if the guilt is driven by a trauma bond? Bonus segment mentioned at the end of the episode. Here's the Anxiety Checklist referred to in the episode. Link to study mentioned in the episode. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Lidia M; Carl O; Juana N; and Cheryl B (extra thank you!), for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study is tonight at 6:30 PM Central in the Community. You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Where did you identify instances of abuse in your life? Have you been an abuser? Where do you need better boundaries, either as one who has been abused or as an abuser? Spend some time talking with the Holy Spirit about a peace-plan for this holiday season. V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, my love, in the words of little Therese, "For me to become great is impossible." Help me bear with myself and my many imperfections as I seek to follow her means of getting to heaven by a little way--very short and very straight, the little way. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – The distressed inner child; holiday stress and Great Expectations; abuseMinutes 12:01-24:00 – Trauma bonds: the cycle; the signs; biological process Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Predict from the past; Prepare for the worst while hoping for the best; Plan for before and afterMinutes 36:01-48:00 – Protect in the order of Priorities; Peace is your Pivot or anchorTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
Why do you feel so invisible and spiritually depleted? You need a daily LOVE encounter with Jesus. You need daily nourishment from the "one table of the Lord" (CCC 103). “You are invited to an encounter with Jesus, Word of God made flesh, as an event of grace that runs through the reading and the hearing of the Sacred Scriptures” (The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church).L - listen: Reading seeks for the sweetness of a blessed life, O - observe: meditation perceives it, V - verbalize: prayer asks for it, E - entrust: contemplation tastes it.L - listen: Reading, as it were, puts food whole into the mouth, O - observe: mediation chews it and breaks it up, V - verbalize: prayer extracts its flavor, E - entrust: contemplation is the sweetness itself which gladdens and refreshes.L - listen: Reading works on the outside, O - observe: meditation on the pith, V - verbalize: prayer asks for what we long for, E - entrust: contemplation gives us delight in the sweetness which we have found.Adapted from The Ladder of Monks, Guigo (LOVE acronym added)Click here for the previous series mentioned in this episode, Healing the Father Wound.Summary video of Healing the Father Wound Enjoy this episode from a previous series while we prepare for thenext seriesThank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Lisa S, Sandy M, Janette S, and Katy M, for loving and lifting me! :) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Help us decide our next Monthly Meetup Bible study topic! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)“If you abide in my word you are my disciples indeed” (Joh 8:31).Spend some time emphasizing each word of this verse in turn, like this:“If you abide in my word you are my disciples indeed” (Joh 8:31).“If you abide in my word you are my disciples indeed” (Joh 8:31).“If you abide in my word you are my disciples indeed” (Joh 8:31).“If you abide in my word you are my disciples indeed” (Joh 8:31).“If you abide in my word you are my disciples indeed” (Joh 8:31).After you have emphasized each word, return to the Listen section and read it again. Where do you sense this verse is speaking about the events of your own life? What is God saying to you through this verse? Does it connect at all to what you have sensed through His word in other areas recently?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Kyrie, Eleison – Lord, Have Mercy….‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ Luke 18:13“Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.”Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – LOVE the Word summary; the "one table of the Lord" (CCC 103)Minutes 12:01-24:00 – get answers to direct questions with LOVE the Word, such as, "What should the next podcast series be?"; Healing the Father Wound previous series; discerning through seemingly contradictory messagesMinutes 24:01-36:00 – navigating through a difficult publishing contract; long term messages from LOVE the Word; Listen, Observe,
Faith cannot simply be belief – in God, or in a set of teachings – for “even the demons believe and tremble” (James 2:19). In this show, we discern what faith is, by looking at what it isn’t.This show is from the previous LOVE the Word® series, the Entrust episode, available here.next seriesThank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Lisa S, Sandy M, Janette S, and Katy M, for loving and lifting me! :) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Help us decide our next Monthly Meetup Bible study topic! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Do you really believe God wants to reward you? What do you think He might want to reward you with?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Kyrie, Eleison – Lord, Have Mercy….‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ Luke 18:13“Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.”Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesThis show is from the previous LOVE the Word® series, the Entrust episode, available here.Overview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Faith in our amount of faith, trying to manipulate God with our "faith," is not real faith Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Faith in what we want or think should happen is not real faithMinutes 24:01-36:00 – Faith is not my ability to discern or know God's will Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Faith is not in my timing; faith is in the Person if the Holy Trinity, His goodnessTranscriptFriends of the Show, sign in first to download a transcript of this episode: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
"Silence is the language of God - sanctity's mother tongue" (Lawrence Lovasik, SVD).Learning to be comfortable and still in silence is possibly the most important thing we can foster in the spiritual life, because Mary shows us that listening comes first in prayer - not speaking - and true listening can only happen in silence.Is listening simply reading the scriptures? If I read passage after passage, book after book of the Bible, have I really prayed if I have not discerned God as a Person there, and adjusted my life to what I have heard? Mary goes further than simply hearing or reading the Word in a cerebral way that does not penetrate or move her. She teaches us how to listen to the silence, enflamed with the fire of God's love unto contemplation, union, and incarnation.___NOTE: The new 2025 Mary journal I spoke about in this episode will be out in a few weeks at Advent. Until then, you can download a free 2024 journal and guide page in the margin to the right.The book I mentioned in the podcast that I wrote with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Ignite, Read the Bible Like Never Before, is also available in the right margin. This is a re-released, vintage podcast from 2017, but the complete resource on LOVE the Word® is How to Pray Like Mary, available in the right margin, in which you'll learn to approach Scripture and lectio divina with a more open and receptive disposition versus a checklist mentality.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Penny S and Mona P, for loving and lifting me! :) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! We're in the Book of Glory! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)If you haven't done so already, read the Mass readings for today, available every day, right here. To what is your attention drawn - perhaps a word, phrase, or idea? How is God speaking to you through it? How does His word apply to your circumstances, relationships, and concerns today?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)"May it be done to me according to Your Word" (Luke 1:38).Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community away from social media to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show Notes“In an address in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis once compared our ability to hear the voice of God with that of the Blessed Mother and her kinswoman Elizabeth.‘What gave rise to Mary’s act of going to visit her relative Elizabeth? A word of God’s angel. “Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son . . .” (Lk 1:36). Mary knew how to listen to God. Be careful: it was not merely “hearing” a superficial word, but it was “listening,” that consists of attention, acceptance and availability to God. It was not in the distracted way with which we sometimes face the Lord or others: we hear their words, but we do not really listen. Mary is attentive to God. She listens to God.‘However Mary also listens to the events, that is, she interprets the events of her life, she is attentive to reality itself and does not stop on the surface but goes to the depths to gr...
NOTE: The new 2025 Mary journal I spoke about in this episode will be out in a few weeks at Advent. Until then, you can download a free 2024 journal and guide page in the margin to the right.The book I mentioned in the podcast that I wrote with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Ignite, Read the Bible Like Never Before, is also available in the right margin. This is a re-released, vintage podcast from 2017, but the complete resource on LOVE the Word® is How to Pray Like Mary, available in the right margin, in which you'll learn to approach Scripture and lectio divina with a more open and receptive disposition versus a checklist mentality.___Prayer is about relationship, not technique.St. Jerome said ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. We pray Scripture, daily, in order to nurture a relationship with Him, to know Him, His purposes, and His ways; to experience Him. From beginning to end, prayer is about LOVE.If you've never experienced God's love, here's how to begin. Mary shows you how.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Anthony DiM and Shelly M (special thank you), for loving and lifting me! :) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! We're in the Book of Glory! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)If you haven't done so already, read the Mass readings for today, available every day, right here. To what is your attention drawn - perhaps a word, phrase, or idea? How is God speaking to you through it? How does His word apply to your circumstances, relationships, and concerns today?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)"May it be done to me according to Your Word" (Luke 1:38).Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community away from social media to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show Notes“In an address in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis once compared our ability to hear the voice of God with that of the Blessed Mother and her kinswoman Elizabeth.‘What gave rise to Mary’s act of going to visit her relative Elizabeth? A word of God’s angel. “Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son . . .” (Lk 1:36). Mary knew how to listen to God. Be careful: it was not merely “hearing” a superficial word, but it was “listening,” that consists of attention, acceptance and availability to God. It was not in the distracted way with which we sometimes face the Lord or others: we hear their words, but we do not really listen. Mary is attentive to God. She listens to God.‘However Mary also listens to the events, that is, she interprets the events of her life, she is attentive to reality itself and does not stop on the surface but goes to the depths to grasp its meaning. Her kinswoman Elizabeth, who is already elderly, is expecting a child: this is the event. But Mary is attentive to the meaning. She can understand it: “with God nothing will be impossible” (Lk 1:37).‘This is also true in our life: listening to God who speaks to us, and listening also to daily reality, paying attention to people, to events,
NOTE: The new 2025 Mary journal I spoke about in this episode will be out in a few weeks at Advent. Until then, you can download a free 2024 journal and guide page in the margin to the right.I mentioned Unleashed in this re-released, vintage podcast from 2017, but the complete resource on LOVE the Word® is How to Pray Like Mary, available in the right margin, in which you'll learn to approach Scripture and lectio divina with a more open and receptive disposition versus a checklist mentality.___Pope Francis called Mary the “mother of listening,” because she didn’t just hear God's word (in our case read, also), she understood how to interpret it in light of her own relationships, circumstances, and habits. Pope Benedict XVI called Mary the "mother of prayer." She is our model for listening to God by praying with Scripture in a way that incarnates it within us. Modeled on the Annunciation, LOVE the Word® is lectio divina (sacred reading) without the Latin, a prayer method with Scripture that invites our Blessed Mother to guide us in her own personal “listening” practice: L – listen, O – observe, V – verbalize, E – entrust. We learn to listen to and hear God speak like Mary, from Mary. She teaches us to interpret the word we hear and read through the landscape of our lives.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Isa J, Melanie S, Kathleen G, Joseph A, and Johanne R, for loving and lifting me! :) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! We're in the Book of Glory! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)And the angel came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. We’ll have to speculate here…How would you connect the angel’s visit to the word you received, and to Elizabeth’s pregnancy?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)"May it be done to me according to Your Word" (Luke 1:38).Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community away from social media to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show Notes“In an address in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis once compared our ability to hear the voice of God with that of the Blessed Mother and her kinswoman Elizabeth.‘What gave rise to Mary’s act of going to visit her relative Elizabeth? A word of God’s angel. “Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son . . .” (Lk 1:36). Mary knew how to listen to God. Be careful: it was not merely “hearing” a superficial word, but it was “listening,” that consists of attention, acceptance and availability to God. It was not in the distracted way with which we sometimes face the Lord or others: we hear their words, but we do not really listen. Mary is attentive to God. She listens to God.‘However Mary also listens to the events, that is,
The Word of God is the Logos (Jn 1:1-18) - a Person, not a book. Creation is a "book of God's words" brought forth through the wisdom and Person of the Logos. Now, in the spiritual new creation, the Logos gives Himself to us as "seed" and "food" in Scripture and Eucharist, which together are the "one table of the Lord" (CCC 103). Mary, created to be the Seat of Wisdom, shows us how to LOVE the Word so that the Logos is incarnated in us, and we can offer Him to the world with her in wielding the sword of the Spirit that defeats the enemy. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Therese P, Lisa D, Kathy S, Lynne MacL, and Cheri M, for loving and lifting me! :) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Is Jesus as the Logos a new concept for you? How does the relationship between creation, wisdom, and the Person of Christ draw forth your own purpose and the meaning of your life on a daily basis? Or does it? Do you have a habit of praying with Jesus through the daily readings? What did the Holy Spirit say to you about that through this episode?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Kyrie, Eleison – Lord, Have Mercy….‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ Luke 18:13“Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.”Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community away from social media to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – the sword of the Spirit as THE offensive weapon in the armor of God; the Logos in Greek philosophy and Maximus the Confessor Minutes 12:01-24:00 – the ten "let there be..." statements in Genesis; the Ten Commandments; the ten plaguesMinutes 24:01-36:00 – the primacy of Scripture over private revelations; the inherent power in God's word for healing, guidance, and change; the Logos draws out your life's purpose and meaningMinutes 36:01-48:00 – Mary as Seat of Wisdom, the perfect creation who perfectly expressed her unique createdness through the LogosTranscriptFriends of the Show, sign in first to download a transcript of this episode: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
"Salvation" is not merely a moment of asking Jesus into your heart, at least not according to the Bible. Jesus never said to anyone who asked about salvation, "Ask me into your heart and you will be saved."But He did say, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:53-54).Greek words have motion: I was saved> I am being saved> I will be saved. Salvation begins with baptism, and proceeds along a path of exodus, of healing, of restoration, of transformation. Salvation is only finished at the end, in Him. He is our peace, shalom, rest.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friend of the Show, Kathy M, for loving and lifting me! :) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Do you get impatient with yourself or others that the process of healing and salvation is so slow? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Kyrie, Eleison – Lord, Have Mercy….‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ Luke 18:13“Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.”Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Flaming arrows and the shield of faith; doubting God's goodness Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Helmet of salvation; cheek guardsMinutes 24:01-36:00 – Is 52 and 58, front and rear Minutes 36:01-48:00 – What is salvation? TranscriptFriends of the Show, sign in first to download a transcript of this episode: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Faith cannot simply be belief – in God, or in a set of teachings – for “even the demons believe and tremble” (James 2:19). In this show, we discern what faith is, by looking at what it isn’t.This show is from the previous LOVE the Word® series, the Entrust episode, available here.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Carolyn McG, Rosella De T, and Maria H, for loving and lifting me! :) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Do you really believe God wants to reward you? What do you think He might want to reward you with?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Kyrie, Eleison – Lord, Have Mercy….‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ Luke 18:13“Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.”Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesThis show is from the previous LOVE the Word® series, the Entrust episode, available here.Overview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Faith in our amount of faith, trying to manipulate God with our "faith," is not real faith Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Faith in what we want or think should happen is not real faithMinutes 24:01-36:00 – Faith is not my ability to discern or know God's will Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Faith is not in my timing; faith is in the Person if the Holy Trinity, His goodnessTranscriptFriends of the Show, sign in first to download a transcript of this episode: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
I'm convinced that part of why we walk in fear, shame, and guilt for so long as Christians, is that we do not sufficiently understand the Gospel. "Gospel" means "good news." Why is it good news? Because "for freedom He has set you free" (Gal 5:1). Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Debbie D; Becky W; Evan W; and Keri S, for loving and lifting me! *Extra thank you for your generosity! :) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Does understanding your position with God in Christ feel freeing? Does it give you more confidence to move forward in peace, in mission, and in freedom?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Kyrie, Eleison – Lord, Have Mercy….‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ Luke 18:13“Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.”Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesSo You're Needy episode from the Cherished seriesIsaiah 52 episode from the Servant Song seriesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Feet symbolism in the Bible; Is 52: "how beautiful are the feet of them..."; the Servant Song Minutes 12:01-24:00 – What is "the Gospel" and why is it "good news"?; law vs. grace; reconciliation with GodMinutes 24:01-36:00 – neediness; freedom from fear, guilt, and shame; freedom from tyranny; Minutes 36:01-48:00 – freedom from sin, suffering, and death; standing and moving forward in the good news of peace; life and loveTranscriptFriends of the Show: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
"Rules" are not righteousness. Rules often become the symbol for righteousness rather than the road to it. Is "righteousness" about keeping rules? What is "sin" anyway? Why shouldn't we, because God will be offended and send us to hell?This episode explores the Breastplate of Righteousness in Ephesians 6:14, what righteousness is, and how to wear the breastplate. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Aga T; and Cathy M for loving and lifting me! Extra thank you for your generosity! :) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Do you find comfort in Catholic "rules"? Why or why not? Are you flippant about God's commandments? Do you keep them outwardly while your heart is far from them and God?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Kyrie, Eleison – Lord, Have Mercy….‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ Luke 18:13“Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.”Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Righteousness defined, God's character, what is sin?, Rom 3:21-31 Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Righteousness is "imputed," or transferred, "filthy rags", Mosaic Law compared to The Beatitudes, natural and moral law Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Ceremonial Law & Judicial PreceptsMinutes 36:01-48:00 – The Law of Love, wearing the breastplate of righteousnessTranscriptFriends of the Show: Sign in first. Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
This series, The Armor of God for Healing, is based on Ephesians 6:10-18.Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:10-18).Series: Understanding the End Times From a Church History and Catholic Point of ViewThank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Debbie D; Chelle S; Rose G; and Rebecca M for loving and lifting me! Whoa, extra thank you for your generosity! :) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)What is the role of truth for you and your family in super-charged political and/or religious climates? What about in healing generational wounds?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Kyrie, Eleison – Lord, Have Mercy….‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ Luke 18:13b“Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.”Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Dreams of evil, the relevant passage, being made strong, stand x 3, End Times from a Catholic Point of ViewMinutes 12:01-24:00 – Ephesians 6 verses 10-11, deceiving the elect, wiles and subtletiesMinutes 24:01-36:00 – Verses 12-14, 7 weapons, Is 59Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Belt of truth, hip and thigh in OT covenant making, procreative power, protecting descendantsTranscriptFriends of the Show: Sign in first. Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Dedicated to Max.Sometimes a podcast episode feels like a pure supernatural gift from the Holy Spirit to me, and then to you. This episode is such a gift.This technique has the power to heal at the heart level like nothing else I've used. Ask Little Therese for that grace.In Episode #495, I offered a short version of The Little Way Visualization technique. It was short because I ran out of time in the episode after qualifying the exercise with a few warnings, a grounding technique in case you encountered emotions that threatened to take over, and breathing and relaxation guidance. If you need that sort of support, please revisit that episode (linked in the previous sentence).Several of you asked for a fuller experience without the interruptions, so here it is, full length, uninterrupted, and fully produced.Skip to the 12:00 minute mark to begin.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Deacon J; Kathleen W; Laura E; Theresa Ann DB; Linda P; and Beth W, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! You coming?New SeriesLOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)As you worked through the visualization exercises, what did you notice in your mind, body, emotions, and memory? What surprised you? What do you want to say to the Holy Spirit about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, my love, in the words of little Therese, "For me to become great is impossible." Help me bear with myself and my many imperfections as I seek to follow her means of getting to heaven by a little way--very short and very straight, The Little Way of the Child. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More. ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – UpdatesMinutes 12:01-24:00 – The exercise Minutes 24:01-36:00 – continuedMinutes 36:01-48:00 – TranscriptThere is no transcript offered for this episode.
Before we can truly become "little," we must confront the Pharisee in ourselves. Pharisaism is religious narcissism. The Bible calls it "insolent pride." The label "narcissist" is widely deployed to refer to people who appear to be too full of themselves, but the truth is, we all have selfish, narcissistic tendencies to some degree that we must wrestle with. I believe this "spirit of judgment" is the main wound of the Fall. Jesus' most dire warnings and strongest words were for the blind Pharisees. .Clinically, narcissism is a spectrum, and there are three "types" that give us useful information on how to deal with it in ourselves and others. Ultimately, Paul says we must "come out!" and unto our Heavenly Father in order to heal this father wound. .If you've never explored the "father wound," here 's a whole series o healing the father wound. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Patricia E; Emily P; Katie R; Nellie K; Carolynn LB; Tina S; Christine C; Stephanie F; Amber R; Brittany Y; Rebecca M; Bridget McG; Christina C; Phillip B; Laura E; Amelia S; Kevin G; Jean C; Beth L; David C; Deb N; Elizabeth F; Kathleen W; Colleen G; Toni D; Maureen A; Victoria T; Charles F; Amanda P; Heather D; Meghan S; Kathy B; Victoria H; Kellye B; Karen B; Julie B; Carol E-D; and Shona M, for loving and lifting me! *Extra thank you for your generosity! :) Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! You coming?New SeriesLOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Are you narcissistic? How narcissistic are you? How do you feel about yourself, knowing you have narcissistic tendencies? Have you identified the projections inherent in your narcissism? What do you want to say to the Holy Spirit about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, my love, in the words of little Therese, "For me to become great is impossible." Help me bear with myself and my many imperfections as I seek to follow her means of getting to heaven by a little way--very short and very straight, The Little Way of the Child. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Narcissistic Personality Inventory; Jordan Peterson's Understand Myself personality quiz; NarcissusMinutes 12:01-24:00 – Traits of narcissism; it's a spectrum; the grandiosity and shame yo-yo Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Three types of narcissism: 1) abuse and neglect; 2) inter-generational; 3) entitlementMinutes 36:01-48:00 – Appeal to the relationship; narcissism as a worthlessness identity wound, a father wound; worthless and Belial; "Come out!"TranscriptFriends of the Show: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
The point in "healing the inner child" is illustrated and affirmed by an ancient psychological/mythological idea that the way to full maturity is to find what you lost as a child and regain it. The recovery of the child revivifies the adult by teaching the adult how to play, trust, and wonder without judgment again, but with the added maturity and knowledge of being an adult who knows how to organize and protect oneself in the world. The inner child finally gets to express him/herself from a place of safety rather than fear and danger.In this wrap-up episode, I offer a case study that might help put all the pieces together, and a reminder from St. Thérèse to stay "little," give Jesus your littleness and little sacrifices, and leave the rest to Him. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Barney C; Corinne C; Laurie D; and Lee Ann K, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Has this series taught you anything more than you knew about St. Thérèse and being "little"? Are you more comfortable with younger parts of yourself than before? Are there parts that you still have trouble "welcoming"? What do you want to say to the Holy Spirit about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, my love, in the words of little Therese, "For me to become great is impossible." Help me bear with myself and my many imperfections as I seek to follow her means of getting to heaven by a little way--very short and very straight, The Little Way of the Child. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesThérèse of Lisieux sacrifice beads at Vianney beads on Etsy.Overview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Back to Thérèse and her last year; Sister Marie and the linen roomMinutes 12:01-24:00 – Case study on the late-life illumination of a personality projectionMinutes 24:01-36:00 – Self-sufficiency and Pharisaism block healingMinutes 36:01-48:00 – Seeing and accepting personality projections (underneath behavior issues) without allowing them to rule; how judgments in our vocations are meant to help us "see" and experience ourselves, God, and others in deeper communionTranscriptFriends of the Show: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Listen, Pharisee, the reason you're lonely, the reason you don't feel "chosen," the reason God hasn't thrown you a party (Parable of the Prodigal), is because you're full of judgments that block communion within yourself and between you and the Father, so that you can't feel comfortable enough with Him to even ask for a party. And if he threw you one now, in the state of Pharisaism you're in, you'd just condemn yourself for wastefulness and not deserving it.As soon as we turn back to our inner child, as soon as we extend some sympathy, boundaries, and forgiveness - for ourselves and others - the Pharisee steps in to judge: "How dare you let yourself or them get away with that!"Pharisaism is the wound of the world, because while the "sinful" have obvious evidence of their need for healing love, the Pharisee has his shit together, and therefore cannot see the dark, dead judgments inside himself that prevent healing communion. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Clement O; Connie V; Jackie B; Gaylene M; Holly R; Carolyn C; and Mary G, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Did the Holy Spirit bring to mind a judgment that you've been projecting onto others or Him in this episode? Can you discern the contradiction underneath with Him?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, my love, in the words of little Therese, "For me to become great is impossible." Help me bear with myself and my many imperfections as I seek to follow her means of getting to heaven by a little way--very short and very straight, The Little Way of the Child. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – How the inner Pharisee steps into the Little Way processMinutes 12:01-24:00 – Unforgiveness and Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes; Catholics and Protestants; Pharisaism as anger at self and GodMinutes 24:01-36:00 – Psychology 101 on judgments as projections; fear of God as projection of angerMinutes 36:01-48:00 – Seeing and accepting personality flaws (underneath behavior issues) without allowing them to rule; how judgments in our vocations are meant to help us "see" and experience ourselves, God, and others in communionTranscriptFriends of the Show: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
All of our spiritual and emotional issues stem from an unconscious unwillingness to acknowledge the darkness in ourselves. In order to resist conscious "seeing" and acknowledging and doing something about the ugly truths in ourselves, we project them onto others, we distract ourselves, and in doing so, we disown parts of ourselves and those parts begin their tyranny. When enough of us do this, our world becomes as disordered as we are inside.It's through conflicts and suffering that enough emotion can break through, consciously, to alert us of what we are not seeing. Eden shows us that if we see and acknowledge it - whatever the darkness is - we can take it to the Holy Spirit to help us heal and order it properly. If Adam and Eve had done this, rather than allowing themselves to be distracted by what was easier and more attractive in the moment, they would have had the knowledge of good and evil without the suffering, because the evil was with them in the Garden the whole time; they just didn't notice or acknowledge it as such.Matthew 18, the Beatitudes, and Old Testament Jacob as a case study, help us with proper healing and ordering: working through pop quizzes, "turning back" to acknowledge and rescue the inner child, setting good boundaries for ourselves and others, and forgiveness for all. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is tonight! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Does looking at the Eden story from a psychological point of view help you understand why working through pop quizzes, "turning back" to the inner child, setting good boundaries, and forgiveness are so important to your growth and health? What do you want to say to the Holy Spirit about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, my love, in the words of little Therese, "For me to become great is impossible." Help me bear with myself and my many imperfections as I seek to follow her means of getting to heaven by a little way--very short and very straight, The Little Way of the Child. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Review of Matthew 18 concepts, addition of the Beatitudes for understanding of the processesMinutes 12:01-24:00 – Adam and Eve; the "shadow" or darkness inside; Jacob and deceit; Jacob's pop quizzes Minutes 24:01-36:00 – How the processes work for individuals vs. Christian brothers and sistersMinutes 36:01-48:00 – ForgivenessTranscriptFriends of the Show: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Somehow I suspect you've either recently been in a conflict where you were corrected or have seen a need or opportunity to offer correction to another. If not, perhaps it's just around the corner. How about some guidelines from Jesus about that? Because we are God's children, and He warns us sternly against "despising the little ones." After radical detachment, we have to "turn back" to rescue the lost sheep of our inner child, and the lost sheep in our original and church families when they are also our brothers and sisters in Christ.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Melanie D; Bruce R; Veronica W; Melinda M; Loren G; Tessa W; Lindsay B; Ann C; Carol S; Christina C; Vicki G; Anita C; Christin L; Emily P; Anne B; and Kevin G, for for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is super deep! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Does a confrontation with someone loom in your life? Does having some guidance from Scripture help you navigate the issue? What do you want to say to the Holy Spirit about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, my love, in the words of little Therese, "For me to become great is impossible." Help me bear with myself and my many imperfections as I seek to follow her means of getting to heaven by a little way--very short and very straight, The Little Way of the Child. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – "turn back": 1) radical detachment, 2) pursue to the lost sheep, 3) correcting offenders Minutes 12:01-24:00 – despise = "to think against"; Jesus' promise of His presence in the process of correctionMinutes 24:01-36:00 – personal examples of "fraternal correction"Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Church Fathers on fraternal correctionTranscriptFriends of the Show: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Using Matthew 18 as a touch point for discussion of the inner child is what we call using a "spiritual sense" of Scripture. It's fascinating to me that Jesus emphasized His teaching in 18 and part of 19 by placing children before Him (remember that chapter and verse numbers were not in the original writings, but added for our convenience). Like flesh and blood parables, children bookend His teaching on boundaries, and we learn that not only are healthy boundaries necessary to faith in dealing with one another in the family of God, but they're also necessary in human and faith development, too. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Melanie D; Bruce R; Veronica W; Melinda M; Loren G; Tessa W; Lindsay B; Ann C; Carol S; Christina C; Vicki G; Anita C; Christin L; Emily P; Anne B; and Kevin G, for for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our next Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is January 22 at 6:30 PM CST! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Does learning something about the Stages of Faith development help to ease their inherent tension? What do you want to say to the Holy Spirit about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, my love, in the words of little Therese, "For me to become great is impossible." Help me bear with myself and my many imperfections as I seek to follow her means of getting to heaven by a little way--very short and very straight, The Little Way of the Child. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – holiday review, psychological/mythological idea that the way to full maturity is to recover childhood, shadow partsMinutes 12:01-24:00 – procedural memory in the brain, "the saints were crazy," two senses of scripture and subdivisionsMinutes 24:01-36:00 – hierarchy vs. relationships, characteristics of childrenMinutes 36:01-48:00 – stages of faith, "fasting" from destructive relationships, detachmentTranscriptFriends of the Show: Protected Content. Click Here to sign in
Separation anxiety is when someone fears being apart from or losing a person or other attachment figure, a place, or even an animal. Adults can experience separation anxiety, although it is more common in children. Learning necessary, healthy detachment from parents, relatives, friends, and trauma bonds provokes "separation anxiety," does it not? Severe SA can manifest in physical symptoms, such as nausea and headaches.But separation anxiety is a normal part of both childhood development and adult relationship development. Although it can be unsettling, Jesus teaches separation is necessary for Christians - at least temporarily - in order to bring about the repentance and reconciliation of an offender. If the offender continues without repentance (changing direction), we must detach from ungodly "Christian" relationships, or else we fall into sin ourselves as enablers. Jesus shows us how. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Jaylen M; Rose G; and Monica M, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study in John is epic! You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Tolerance is not patience, it is enabling sin, according to Jesus and interpreted by the Church Fathers. Has the Holy Spirit alerted you through this episode of a relationship with a fellow (professed) Christian in which you need to speak up and erect some boundaries? What do you want to say to Him about that? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, my love, in the words of little Therese, "For me to become great is impossible." Help me bear with myself and my many imperfections as I seek to follow her means of getting to heaven by a little way--very short and very straight, the little way. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – the purification of our hearts has to do with paternal and maternal images (CCC 2779); Thérèse of Lisieux's trauma; mother wounds and female physical issuesMinutes 12:01-24:00 – self- and interior-abuse; aggressive vs passive temperament; synopsis of Matthew 18; childlikeness, according to Jesus, means boundaries; the difference between boundaries for Christians and non-Christians; Law as gift; guilt and shame; shame vs contrition; no condemnation for those in Christ (Rom 8:1 and Jn 3)Minutes 24:01-36:00 – the forehead as the seat of shame; Ex 28 HOLINESS TO THE LORD; 3 stages of boundaries; Holy Spirit is our wisdom and discernment as we "wrestle" with boundaries; overview of Matt 18; the Fathers on offenses against children and ourselvesMinutes 36:01-48:00 – "cutting them off" or no-contact; eyes, hands, and feet; Jesus seeks out the one who has been separated or "lost"TranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
Don't all of your issues seem to be exacerbated by the holiday season? We're spending increased amounts of time with people and/or family who may have wounded us or still do. We may feel pressured and obligated by Great Expectations for how things "should" be. Perhaps we labor under the financial burden such expectations add; the sometimes extreme changes in environment, sleep, and schedules at work and with travel that can cause burnout; the many occasions for over-stimulation for us or our kids; the sheer amounts and types of food; stifling grief while feeling forced to put on the happy face; sibling rivalries; inferiority complexes; self-medication and addiction triggers; seasonal depression and lack of sunlight; questions and insinuations from others about "where you are" in life. If all of that feels overwhelming to you, perhaps you can see why the holiday season causes your inner child to feel distressed and begin "acting out" in order to get your attention? And why all the guilt for simply wanting to hibernate until the whole season is over, or needing to limit exposure to the entire bit? What if the guilt is driven by a trauma bond? Here are six Ps for navigating the holidays and making them more peaceful and happy: Predict, Prepare, Plan, Priorities, Peace, Pivot. Here's the Anxiety Checklist referred to in the episode. Abusive behavior does not always involve tangible violence. Distinctions must be made between physical violence/abuse—traditionally, the most researched and detectable form—and emotional, or psychological, abuse. Emotional abuse is any nonphysical behavior or attitude that is designed to control, subdue, punish, or isolate another person through the use of humiliation or fear (Engel, 2002). . ..Emotional abuse can include verbal assault, dominance, control, isolation, ridicule, or the use of intimate knowledge for degradation (Follingstad, Coyne, & Gambone, 2005). It targets the emotional and psychological well-being of the victim, and it is often a precursor to physical abuse. . . .Some types of physical behavior can be considered emotional abuse in that they represent physical violence (Marshall, 1996). Examples include: throwing objects, kicking a wall, shaking a finger or fist at the victim, driving recklessly while the victim is in the car, or threatening to destroy objects the victim values. Property damage is a form of emotional abuse considered “symbolic violence” (Engel, 2002) that results in serious psychological, social, and economic costs. Harm inflicted on victim’s pets can be emotionally abusive, causing suffering in both humans and animals (Faver & Strand, 2007).Link to study, above.Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Lidia M; Carl O; Juana N; and Cheryl B (extra thank you!), for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study is tonight at 6:30 PM Central in the Community. You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Where did you identify instances of abuse in your life? Have you been an abuser? Where do you need better boundaries, either as one who has been abused or as an abuser? Spend some time talking with the Holy Spirit about a peace-plan for this holiday season. V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, my love, in the words of little Therese, "For me to become great is impossible.
Are you curious? What does your inner child's voice sound like?This episode, perhaps more than any other I've ever done, has the power to change your life. Ask Little Therese for that grace.When we protect and provide love and radical acceptance for our inner child, she glows and warms up inside. We have the inner freedom to breathe more easily and try new things. We know we can tolerate failure or mess ups. We can deal with minor amounts of guilt or shame without getting eaten up with fear. We don't get stuck desperately needing approval from others. Our inner child needs to find safety in the world so she can come out and play and be an active part of our life. It's the child parts that allow us to be creative and wondrous, as the psalmist says.So let's do it. First, we need a few guide bumpers and a grounding technique in case we encounter emotions that threaten to take over. Next, we need to breathe and relax into our inner prayer space. Then we visualize. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Cynthia R, Cynthia C, Katy P, Joan R, and Jennifer S, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study series on the Gospel of John is out of this world. You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)As you worked through the relaxation and visualization exercises, what did you notice in your mind, body, emotions, and memory? Were you surprised to realize through this show that your inner child is in distress? What do you want to say to the Holy Spirit about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)Dearest Jesus, my love, in the words of little Therese, "For me to become great is impossible." Help me bear with myself and my many imperfections as I seek to follow her means of getting to heaven by a little way--very short and very straight, the little way. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – What to do if this "little" talk is too weird; importance of healing the inner child; how to know if your inner child is in distressMinutes 12:01-24:00 – Dorothy Day and Therese; the importance of fun and play; how to check in with your body and breathing in preparation for The Little Way PrayerMinutes 24:01-36:00 – Grounding for panic and overwhelm; the need for patience and radical acceptance; preparing your environment for The Little Way PrayerMinutes 36:01-48:00 – 3-2-1 Relaxation technique; The Little Way Prayer/Visualization Exercise; afterwardTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
Healing the heart is about memory and emotion. Whatever and wherever our painful memories and emotions from the past are, they influence our present and future through our inner child. Learning to love the demanding, controlling little you that still screams for attention and protection in your present and future can be challenging, but it is possible, and Jesus teaches it is necessary. "Unless you become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matt 18:3).Sometimes your hurt is too early to recall, only feel, as in womb experiences or pre-verbal, pre-self-aware implicit memory. Can we reach that deeply? St. Thérèse Lisieux shows us a way, The Little Way. We become little again. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Cynthia R, Cynthia C, Katy P, Joan R, and Jennifer S, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our Monthly Meetup Bible study series on the Gospel of John is out of this world. You coming?LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)You have an inner child. I have an inner child. We all do. Your inner child has a super-sensitive "antenna" that has been picking up messages way before it was even self-aware or able to fully understand or process events and emotions, mentally and emotionally. Like little Thérèse, your inner child holds emotions, memories and beliefs from the past as well as hopes and dreams for the future. Does St. Thérèse of Lisieux's Little Way sound attractive to you so far?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)May it be done to me according to your Word. Amen +Love Heals. Learn More.ConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group coaching calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Thérèse of Lisieux's early years through the trauma of her mother's deathMinutes 12:01-24:00 – Christmas conversion, the "little victory"Minutes 24:01-36:00 – The Little Way and the Little FlowerMinutes 36:01-48:00 – the convent and her love of and preference for ScriptureTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
The word "salvation" is a big, full word, meaning peace, wholeness, (eternal) life, healing, bliss. When we know what salvation is, we understand what Jesus came to do for us, heart, soul, mind, and strength. Full revelation and knowledge of salvation comes from the Word through Scripture and Tradition, according to St. Paul (2 Thess 2:15). Isn't one of the first issues anyone confronts when beginning to ready, study, and love the Bible some confusion regarding what it's about?Understanding the Bible's purpose explains to us why and how we should read it, because a person's approach and expectations have a lot to do with what he or she gets out of Scripture. Ultimately, salvation is about wholeness and healing - heart, soul, mind, and strength - from eternity past, and for all eternity future, beginning now. Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Laura E; and Rob S, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our new Monthly Meetup Bible study series on the Gospel of John has just begun! Next meeting September 18. You coming?Click here for Charbel Raish of Parousia Media's Australian Tour highlight video, including Deacon Harold's events and a brief overview of Parousia's ministry.Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers - Dynamic Deacon https://deaconharold.com/ Parousia https://www.parousiamedia.com/Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/mailing-list/Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Has anything in this episode changed what you believe about what God wants for you, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and/or intellectually? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)May it be done to me according to your Word. Amen +It's Time for You to Be LovedConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for our Masterclass and Consultation Group calls, healing prayer livestreams, monthly Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you find help, support, and experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – The Bible contains them all, but is not a book of literature, history, or science. Minutes 12:01-24:00 – the Bible is a Book of salvation; a Book of love, OT - NTMinutes 24:01-36:00 – defining "salvation"; "His - storyMinutes 36:01-48:00 – the seven covenants of loveTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
For us the Bible is a single book, but it's really a Book of Books. The Bible is a library of books, from "biblios," meaning books. These books were written at different times that are sometimes separated by millennia; by different authors with various writing styles, proficiencies, and personalities; to different audiences. Is it any wonder that it can be hard to read and understand? This episode tackles the two Testaments, the genres of the Books, and the "who" of the Bible, so we have a basic understanding of how to approach each Book.But more than that, the consistency of the Bible is one of its miracles. Part of its consistency is the "who" of the Bible. Who heals through Scripture, and who is being healed?Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Rodney J; Katherine K; Deb F; Kathleen F; Kristy O; nancy K and Jowella M, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Our new Monthly Meetup Bible study series on the Gospel of John has just begun! You coming?Click here for Charbel Raish of Parousia Media's Australian Tour highlight video, including Deacon Harold's events and a brief overview of Parousia's ministry.Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers - Dynamic Deacon https://deaconharold.com/ Parousia https://www.parousiamedia.com/Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/mailing-list/Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Can you already see how a general overview of the Bible helps it make sense and draws one into relationship with the God Who is revealed there? What was the most surprising or impactful thing you learned from this episode? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.)May it be done to me according to your Word. Amen +It's Time for You to Be LovedConnectJoin me (click here) in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – updates on new name, refresh, and upgrades; how the John Bible study dovetails with Ignite series; Word, logos, shekinah, Moses and Old Testament in John and today's episodeMinutes 12:01-24:00 – explanation of many Catholics' view of the Bible; some history of how and why Bibles were once chained to the podium, or amboMinutes 24:01-36:00 – GELND; Pharisees' and Sadducees' approach to Pentateuch; remaining genres; I AM Minutes 36:01-48:00 – I AM will be with His people; person to personTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
No matter how well you know the Bible, Ignite will offer you something new, both as a hermeneutic and in its practical, personal approach to Scripture. The first chapter is Lectio Divina (meaning holy reading). It covers the ancient Christian practice of daily prayer with Scripture that we Baptist's called the "daily quiet time." We start with lectio divina in the book, because that's the usual way to learn to hear God speak in and through the Bible. Nothing heals like God's Word, because only love heals, and there is no way to heal fully without an intimate relationship with the Healer, Jesus Christ, in which He pours His love into you and your suffering.
He does that, every single day, by speaking to you through the daily readings. The best way to begin healing is to hear God speak, experience His presence, and discern His will for your life through the daily readings of the Church. How? Modeled on the Annunciation, the LOVE the Word® method invites Our Lady to guide each of us in her own personal prayer practice: L – listen, O – observe, V – verbalize, E – entrust. We learn how to LOVE the Word® like Mary, from Mary. She teaches us to interpret the word we hear and read through the landscape of our lives.
Through my own practice of lectio divina, Mary shared with me her own love of and prayer practice with Scripture - an earlier form of lectio divina - and an acronym for her process called LOVE the Word®. In this episode I share it with you, along with Chapter One of Ignite, using the last three years' daily readings as a general guide, and the last week's daily readings as a specific guide. Click here for more on LOVE the Word®.
Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Pat L; Christina N; Suzanne H; Petra K; Julie B; Patricia H; Rebecca S; Claudia P; Rosanne B; Mary Z; Suzanne JK; Natalie C; Patricia B; Jeannette H; Sarah F; Gabriela M; Rosemary W; Yolanda J; Rebecca M; Kathleen F; Marina S; Erin R; Chloe F; Carolyn McG; Brigitte E; and Michael W, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Extra thank you!
Our new Monthly Meetup Bible study series on the Gospel of John for monthly Friends of the Show begins August 21st! Click here for Charbel Raish of Parousia Media's Australian Tour highlight video, including Deacon Harold's events and a brief overview of Parousia's ministry. Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers - Dynamic Deacon https://deaconharold.com/
Parousia https://www.parousiamedia.com/
Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/mailing-list/
Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) What have you been receiving from God over the last three years - since, during, and after Covid and the election - in your LOVE the Word® practice? Come share it with us in the community, here. If you do not have a LOVE the Word® practice, have you been plagued with anxiety and fear over the last three years and all the political and social upheaval? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (Rest in the Word.) May it be done to me according to your Word. Amen + It's Time for You to Be Healed
Connect Join me, here, in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer live...
Months ago, while thinking of what my next Friend of the Show Monthly Meetup study might be, I realized we really need a primer on how to study and interpret the Bible before we dive into a writing as rich as the Gospel of John. I suggested Ignite, then, and John's Gospel prevailed in the group vote.
Returning from my July tour in Australia, I was also thinking of how to share the trip and all that Parousia Media, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, and I shared there, while also gearing up for my next podcast series (I had not definitively decided what the subject of the next series should be). I got to digging backward in my archives, and I HAVE NEVER DONE AN IGNITE SERIES. I have never done a hermeneutic study; never taught people how to approach the Bible; never given you a map for how to study and interpret the Bible! I was stunned; I cannot believe it; I feel like a terrible daughter of the King! SO! This next series will be on Ignite. Get your signed copy here, or buy it on Amazon (unsigned, because I can't sign what doesn't ship from me), or if you're in Australia, get it at Parousia Media. I'll be sharing my whole trip, and how to study and interpret the Bible. Whether you're a beginner or student, this will be your hermeneutic - a Catholic standard for how to study and interpret what you read with the mind and heart of the historical Church - so you don't get lost in the genres or history timeline or geography or idioms or incomplete interpretations while reading and studying.
Thank you with all my heart to my newest Friends of the Show, Christina N; Suzanne H; Petra K; Julie B; Patricia H; Rebecca S; Claudia P; Rosanne B; Mary Z; Suzanne JK; Natalie C; Patricia B; Jeannette H; Sarah F; Gabriela M; Rosemary W; Yolanda J; Rebecca M; Kathleen F; Marina S; Erin R; Chloe F; Carolyn McG; Brigitte E; and Michael W, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! Extra thank you!
Our new Monthly Meetup Bible study series on the Gospel of John for monthly Friends of the Show begins August 21st!
Click here for Charbel Raish of Parousia Media's Australian Tour highlight video, including Deacon Harold's events and a brief overview of Parousia's ministry. Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers - Dynamic Deacon https://deaconharold.com/
Parousia https://www.parousiamedia.com/
Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/mailing-list/
Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) It's Time for You to Be Healed
Connect Join me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Koinonia is a transliterated form of the Greek word, meaning fellowship, solidarity, partnership, fullness of love, sharing all things in common, a gift jointly contributed, a collection, or a contribution. Koinonia is the state of fellowship and unity that should exist within the Christian church, the Body of Christ. It includes spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit who embraces and empowers you to do all things. The Eucharist is the sacrament of communion with one another in the one Body of Christ. This was the full meaning of eucharistic koinonia in the early Catholic Church. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, "the Eucharist is the sacrament of the unity of the Church, which results from the fact that many are one in Christ."
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Dianne S; Jim & Bella O'H; Bonnie C; Mary McG; Dawn M; Jeanne F; Gae C; Carlene G; Allison K; Madison T; Eileen N; Sarah R; Katie R, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in a monthly Bible study on the Book of John!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Is there a Christian brother or sister with whom you need to make an attempt at reconciliation? Are you being called to full communion with the Catholic Church in the Eucharist? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + It's Time for You to Be Healed
Connect Join me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:00-12:00 – HS makes alive the "dead" abstracts of the Creed and the Bible: they become personal, Jesus becomes present; they have power; LOVE as flame, living water; dead OT vs alive NT Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Trinity as unity; no divisions; koinonia = fellowship, reciprocity and mutuality, solidarity, sharing all things in common, fullness of love; spiritual gifts; what unity looks like Minutes 24:01-36:00 – unity in the Eucharist, liturgy, communal life; Protestant vs Catholic community Minutes 36:01-48:00 – HS moves us to respect diversity and differences, not erase them; forgiveness and reconciliation; a current "difference of opinion" in the Church; unity + community = koinonia = HS Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Discernment of spirits used to solely mean "diagnosing" whether someone was led by the Holy Spirit or the enemy. But it's more complicated than that, isn't it? The same person, even holy people, can be influenced by both the Holy Spirit and the enemy. Ignatius of Loyola compiled and systematized the Desert Fathers' tradition of discernment, so that now we understand "discernment of spirits" to mean deciding for oneself or another what must be attributed to the Holy Spirit, and what comes from one's own imagination or the suggestion of the enemy. Because St. Ignatius of Loyola's rules for discernment are so substantial, I have included a simplified version specific to discerning whether we are hearing from the Holy Spirit or not. (Copy, paste, print, and share!)
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Sarah S; Michael T; Sheila I; and Roger L, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in a monthly Bible study on the Book of Romans! Whoa, thank you!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) What decision are you trying to make right now for which you can use the Rules for Discernment to determine how the Holy Spirit is leading you? Are you also looking for His answer in your circumstances and in the daily readings? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + It's Time for You to Be Healed
Connect Join me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:00-12:00 – what it means to pray "in Jesus' Name"; rules of life and faith in religious communities and for each of us; how the Holy Spirit reveals Himself in Scripture and teaches through the Church Minutes 12:01-24:00 – the Church as the "pillar and foundation of truth," not the Bible (1Tim 3:15); "no Scripture is of private interpretation" (2Pet 1:20); the HS preserves the Church and us from error Minutes 24:01-36:00 – love and obedience first: 1) Choose, 2) Deny Him nothing, 3) Remember the seasons; two types of HS inspirations; good and bad vs good and best Minutes 36:01-48:00 – rules for discerning the HS's voice Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
When attempting to discern what the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives and in the lives of those around us, it's important to know the things that only He can do. Jesus and Mary model for us that when we see any of these things happening, we know it is an invitation to cooperate with Him. I mentioned in this episode that Jesus searched for fruit in the Jewish faith, and found none. But HE IS the fruit. Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Savior, is the fruit on the vine of Judaism. And we are the fruit of the tree of His Cross, through the Holy Spirit. Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Lori K; Janice S; and Erin B, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in a monthly Bible study on the Book of Romans!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)One of the most helpful tools in our arsenal against discouragement and despair in the spiritual life is "fruit searching." Where do you see fruit from the Holy Spirit's work in your life and the lives of those around you? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the fruit of His activity, remembering that as He reveals the fruit, it is also His invitation to cooperate with Him there. V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – conviction of sin; not accusation but invitationMinutes 12:01-24:00 – conviction of righteousness and judgment; judgment falls on the enemy, not the peopleMinutes 24:01-36:00 – the suffering of God with manMinutes 36:01-48:00 – things only the Holy Spirit can doTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
The heaviest burden of man is not things and circumstances, it is himself. Man, himself, is a burden, because he does not want to be who he is before God and others."I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate [Counselor, Helper, Comforter, Intercessor, Paraclete] that He may abide with you forever" (John 14:16). The Advocate or Comforter is "another" - one like Jesus - but one Who abides forever, rather than temporarily as in the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit advocates and comforts in three primary ways: 1) poverty, 2) presence, and 3) pleasure.When we have been comforted in our poverty with His presence, He becomes our pleasure. Then, and only then, we are able to also bear the burden of others' poverty with our presence, which becomes our pleasure. Ruth Burrows was quoted as saying, "It is a sacrifice to let others be who they are." When I have been fully and clearly received by God in my weakness, and He stays present to me, I am able to pass on that pleasure to others: the mercy sandwich. Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Claire M; Gina K; Missy McK; and Michele R, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in a monthly Bible study on the Book of Romans!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)The story of Jacob wrestling with the Angel of God is in Genesis 32:22-32. You can read a reflection on it here. When you are confronted with and wrestling with your own weakness, do you confess it to God and to others readily? What if that's the necessary element to receiving His blessing in your weakness? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – servant versus Son; the promise of the HS as a new Genesis, a new creation; existence versus loveMinutes 12:01-24:00 – the HS comforts us in our weakness (poverty) and teaches us to love itMinutes 24:01-36:00 – humility and false humility; Jacob wrestles with the Angel, confesses his weakness, and receives a blessing (new name/identity)Minutes 36:01-48:00 – a new presence of Jesus, not a substitute; "you're my pleasure"TranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
The Holy Spirit is the intelligent love that connects everything in the universe. He is always active, always creating, always revealing, always incarnating in us, and always resurrecting. Where is he? “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3: 8). Mysterious. Unpredictable. You only “see” him by his effects.So, then, how do we see and hear the Holy Spirit? Jesus tells us there are two conditions.Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Karen C; Margaret J; Glen McD; Arlene R, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in a monthly Bible study on the Book of Romans!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Obedience in love is the requirement for hearing the Holy Spirit speak to us and to seeing His activity in and around us. Where has He spoken to you about obedience through this episode? What do you want to say to Him about that? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Jesus models how to hear and see God working; how not to hear the HS; God takes the initiativeMinutes 12:01-24:00 – "If you love me, keep my commandments"; an obedience problem is a love problem is a hearing problemMinutes 24:01-36:00 – love relationship is the key; unforgiveness as a block to hearing and seeing the HSMinutes 36:01-48:00 – authority issues as a block to hearing and seeing the HSTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
In this hour of all-but-universal darkness, we need a spiritual deepening that makes us really dare to live out the power of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Nothing less will save us or our world. This series is an invitation to step into the fire of the Burning Bush, a fire that burns without consuming, without scorching, without singeing; a fire that arrives on the wind, is fed by the wind, and rests upon the crown of each disciple, sending him out to light flames of love and light in our world. This fire and wind is the Holy Spirit.O souls, created for these grandeurs and called to them! What are you doing? How are you spending your time? . . . You are blind to so brilliant a light and deaf to such loud voices. -John of the CrossThis series is not about the Charismatic Movement; it's not about tongues and miracles and healing. It's about a "still more excellent way" (1 Cor 13). Love, the POWER. The Mystery.First, we'll explore the mystery. The Holy Spirit reminds us that God is mystery. The Son is God revealed, no longer hidden. The Spirit is God who is still concealed, the unfathomable depths of God, unreachable and incomprehensible. “The Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God” (1 Cor 2:10). And "you know Him, because He dwells in you" (John 14:17).Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Jessica S; Savana A; Katherine P; Yolanda J; Celeste C; Carmen L; Lynne A; Anna B; and Angelica A, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: Our Bible study on the Book of Romans meets tonight!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Our Mass, the highest form of prayer, begins with, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" from 2 Corinthians 2:13. What do you know about "fellowship" after this episode? What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – dogma concerning the HS; wind and breath; the one who acts, but the act Himself; the Person of the HSMinutes 12:01-24:00 – HS in OT and NT; creating power, revealing power, incarnation power, resurrection powerMinutes 24:01-36:00 – the Person giftMinutes 36:01-48:00 – the gift of love; fruit of the Spirit, agape and eros; koinoniaTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
For this last, summary episode in the Angels series, I am offering the best concise 48-minute synopsis on angels and spiritual warfare I know of. Ha! The Bible shows us that the spiritual battle we are all engaged in is centered on fear versus faith. So please enjoy the first chapter of my book Fearless, without interruption.Technical note: the podcast hosting service I use has not been working for over a week; this is why you did not get this podcast last week. I couldn't get it fixed between Holy Week, Easter, and Monday when my silent retreat began. As a work-around (it's still not working), I added the audio through the native player on my site, so it looks different. I should have it fixed by the next series in a few weeks. Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Morgan J; Monica H; Savana A; Jessica S; and Elysia G, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in our Bible study on the Book of Romans!A special "thank you"!LOVE the Word® is a method of praying with Scripture based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)I learned so much through researching and offering this series for you! What was your main takeaway? How about sharing it with us in community, here? I'll share mine with you too!V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Holy Archangels, pray for us. All you Holy Angels, pray for us. Angel of God, guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer live streams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesJohn of Damascus, An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Book II Chapters 3-4Catholic Encyclopedia, AngelsSt. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, First Part Question 108Dionysius the Areopagite, The Celestial HierarchyOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Fearless, Conquer Your Demons and Love with Abandon, Chapter 1, Sonja CorbittMinutes 12:01-24:00 – continuedMinutes 24:01-36:00 – continuedMinutes 36:01-48:00 – continuedTranscriptGet the Fearless book and/or audio book here.
'Spiritual combat' is another element of life which needs to be taught anew and proposed once more to all Christians today. It is a secret and interior art, an invisible struggle in which [we] engage every day against the temptations, the evil suggestions that the demon tries to plant in [our] hearts" (St. JPII, Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to Azerbaijan and Bulgaria). Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Cynthia C; Samantha L; Jill E; and Jennifer H, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in our Bible study on the Book of Romans!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Aquinas once said that since no man can live without joy, one who is deprived of spiritual delight goes over to carnal pleasures. What does that say about your sins of the flesh, of desire?St. Gregory said, "We crush the serpent's head when we extirpate from our heart the beginnings of temptation." How is this related to the prophecy in Genesis 3:15 in which the Woman's Seed will crush the serpent's head? What about, also, Romans 16:19-20: "For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I would have you wise as to what is good and guileless as to what is evil; then the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Holy Archangels, pray for us. All you Holy Angels, pray for us. Angel of God, guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer live streams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesJohn of Damascus, An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Book II Chapters 3-4Catholic Encyclopedia, AngelsSt. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, First Part Question 108Dionysius the Areopagite, The Celestial HierarchyOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Acknowledging that the enemy is both within and without; 2/3 of sin is not directly related to demons, it's the "desire" within usMinutes 12:01-24:00 – The world, the flesh, and the devil; the answer to the world - secular and sacred - and the flesh (carnality, concupiscence) is detachment Minutes 24:01-36:00 – The Four D's of the demons' strategy: deceive, divide, distract, discourage; authority as the #1 issue for demons; temptation as a 'good thing'Minutes 36:01-48:00 – St. Augustine's Three Stages in the Pattern of SinTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
As the very first sentence of Fr. Ripperger's book Dominion, states, "Since the very nature of the spiritual battle is to engage fallen angels, it is necessary to discuss the nature of angels, their attributes, etc., since the fallen angels are still angels." Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Laura B; Dana G; Mandy W; Karen P; and Barbara C, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in our Bible study on the Book of Romans!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)How do you feel about discussions regarding demons, or fallen angels? How do you feel about spiritual warfare and deliverance?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Holy Archangels, pray for us. All you Holy Angels, pray for us. Angel of God, guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer live streams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesJohn of Damascus, An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Book II Chapters 3-4Catholic Encyclopedia, AngelsSt. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, First Part Question 108Dionysius the Areopagite, The Celestial HierarchyOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – What it means that the fallen angels fell out of envy and pride (Wis 2:24, Job 41).Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Evil is not a matter of dualism or yin and yang; the demons are inferior creatures and entirely subject to the will of God; the progression of a theology of evil in the ScripturesMinutes 24:01-36:00 – Scriptural names and characteristics of evil; Leviathan, Rahab, and Babylonian and extra-biblical mythologiesMinutes 36:01-48:00 – Tolkein's view of mythology and Scripture; John of Damascus "Concerning the Devil and Demons"TranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
I finished last week's episode a little bit unsettled, because with all the detailed information St. Thomas, Dionysius, Augustine, and John of Damascus give us about angels throughout Church history, I wondered how they came up with such detail and what it all means. This episode is an "aha!" moment I had the night I finished last week's show (that I also found confirmed in Aquinas), about the angelic hierarchy and the choirs' roles; but more than that, the meaning behind the angelic hierarchy. Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Clara S; Kelly M; Ed & Pat P; Anne B; Linda P; Raquel P; and Heather D, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in our Bible study on the Book of Romans!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)When you have a question about the faith, something you've learned or wondered about, do you ask God directly for the answer? Why or why not?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Holy Archangels, pray for us. All you Holy Angels, pray for us. Angel of God, guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer live streams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesJohn of Damascus, An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Book II Chapters 3-4Catholic Encyclopedia, AngelsSt. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, First Part Question 108Dionysius the Areopagite, The Celestial HierarchyOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – a leftover burning question of why: what> how> doMinutes 12:01-24:00 – how the angelic hierarchy fits into Providence; the Angel of the Lord in Scripture; review of angelic names indicate divisions and tasks Minutes 24:01-36:00 – (cont.) review of the angelic hierarchical names and tasks; DionysiusMinutes 36:01-48:00 – nature and grace in the hierarchy; the strangeness in how the Scriptures sometimes portray the angelsTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
We know from the Bible that angels are a heavenly army called the "heavenly hosts" (host means army), and are organized into ranks, choirs or divisions, that make up the angelic hierarchy. In this episode we learn the names and tasks of each division and probe what the Bible says about each division. Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Mary C; Nicole G; Verna S; Sheila S; Gabriela C; Trese G; and Kathryn D'A, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in our Bible study on the Book of Romans!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)St. Thomas Aquinas says that humans can be equal to angels by grace and can ascend the angelic hierarchy according to the merits we receive in cooperating with grace (see link below in show notes). Our Lady, Queen of Angels (Rev 12:1 ff), is an example of such a grace. If that's true, does it inspire you to sin less and sacrifice more? What are your thoughts about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Holy Archangels, pray for us. All you Holy Angels, pray for us. Angel of God, guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer live streams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesJohn of Damascus, An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Book II Chapters 3-4Catholic Encyclopedia, AngelsSt. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, First Part Question 108Overview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – angelic governance of the world's elements and weather; biblical examples; humans can be equal to angels by grace (Aquinas, ST. I. q. 108 a. 8)Minutes 12:01-24:00 – three hierarchies and nine choirs of angels; divisions or hierarchy as a topic; hierarchy of angels and their inequality; what inequality means for angels and us; first division or hierarchy: seraphim, cherubimMinutes 24:01-36:00 – (cont.) first division or hierarchy: seraphim, cherubim, thrones; second hierarchy: dominions, virtues, powersMinutes 36:01-48:00 – third or lowest hierarchy: principalities, archangels, and angels (guardian angels); can we name our guardian angels and/or know their names?TranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
Angels are messengers from God to humans. What does it mean that "angel is the name of the office"? If each angel is its own species according to its task, what do angels do? How many are there? How do we know that each of us has a guardian angel? Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Amy H; Kialee B; Melissa B; Anne K; and Tiffany H, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in our Bible study on the Book of Romans!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Particular angels have responsibilities toward specific nations and geographical locations. Have you thought to add your prayers to the prayers and works of the angels guarding and protecting America, and the state, town, and parish in which you live? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Holy Archangels, pray for us. All you Holy Angels, pray for us. Angel of God, guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer live streams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesJohn of Damascus, An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Book II Chapters 3-4Catholic Encyclopedia, AngelsOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – angel communication; the aevum as the "dwelling place" of the angels according to St. Thomas Aquinas; knowledge of our secret thoughtsMinutes 12:01-24:00 – defining "office"; offices of angels Minutes 24:01-36:00 – biblical examples of angel messengers to mankind; angel worship forbidden in Canon Law and ScriptureMinutes 36:01-48:00 – the Scriptures and Fathers on guardian angels; biblical examples of angels guardianship of the earth and nationsTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
This series probes what the Bible, the Catechism, Church Fathers, St. Thomas Aquinas, and contemporary exorcists reveal about angels, their relationship to God, one another, and the human race. Episode 1 explores what it means to say angels are "spiritual and incorporeal beings" and the extraordinary powers and abilities they employ in their tasks. Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Laura H; Alisa K; Robin N; Deborah B; Robin D; Carrie JH; Joanna C; Silvia F; Dorothy G; Clara G; Jane M; Kim R; Christine Y; Genevieve M; Jamie R; Marcie C; Jean A; MJO; Monica M; Gabriela M; Jill S; Kate H; Mary W; Michele Van W; and Norma C, for loving and lifting me! *A special “thank you” for your generosity! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in our Bible study on the Book of Romans!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Have you ever experienced angelic visitation or intervention? How do you know? If you've never said "hello" to your guardian angel, do so now, since he is with you this very moment.What more do you want to know about angels? You might ask the Holy Spirit, directly, to teach you what you want to know throughout this series. V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Holy Archangels, pray for us. All you Holy Angels, pray for us. Angel of God, guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer live streams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesJohn of Damascus, An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Book II Chapters 3-4Catholic Encyclopedia, AngelsOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – The Catechism and Catholic Encyclopedia as the structural context for our exploration of angels; what the Catechism says about angelsMinutes 12:01-24:00 – Biblical languages and their nuances for the word "angel;" messengers of God; when the angels were created; Genesis 1Minutes 24:01-36:00 – John of Damascus on angels Minutes 36:01-48:00 – St. Thomas Aquinas on the angels' nature; what it means that they are "spiritual" and "incorporeal," or bodiless TranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
New around here? Welcome!Woops! I just tripped myself trying to curtsy for you in my schlepping boots (seriously, the html keeps kicking out my left arrow, curtsy, right arrow). No problem. I’m more flaming Bible teacher than Southern belle anyway, hence the “evangelista” moniker. Yes, I made up a word, but it’s entirely applicable, since by definition an evangelist simply shares the good news of the Gospel from his own point of view. And honey I’m no “him,” but I always have a point of view, so I’m your evangelistaaaah.Speaking of good news, isn’t holiness more domestic than cosmic (right?) — in the trenches of dirty bathrooms, fighting children, irritable spouses, the struggle to stop raging or overeating, crazy schedules, and overwhelming workloads? We’re all sweating and dirty with the effort to love and lift all He’s given to us (John 17) – those people, duties, callings, and longings that break our hearts and make them sing, sometimes at the same time. But most times, we need to be loved and lifted ourselves.So my Bible study media resources are created with you in mind, always with an emphasis on healing and rest. Bites of spinach that taste like cake, to help you make a space in your busy heart and schedule for God to love and lift you all the all the way up into His great lap, where all you’ve been given is loved and lifted too.My message is simple: Jesus literally loves you to death; let Him. I found that impossible once, myself – due to a deep, raw father wound – but I can’t wait to show you what the Lord taught me in the Scriptures in the times I was hurting, guilty, enraged, lonely, discouraged, and exhausted.How about we get started? Take a listen, below, and let’s find out where God wants to begin loving and lifting you through the Scriptures! Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Deborah B; Robin D; Carrie JH; Joanna C; Silvia F; Dorothy G; Clara G; Jane M; Kim R; Christine Y; Genevieve M; Jamie R; Marcie C; Jean A; MJO; Monica M; Gabriela M; Jill S; Kate H; Mary W; Michele Van W; and Norma C, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in our Bible study on the Book of Romans! *A special "thank you" for your generosity! LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Next SeriesIt's Lent. It's time for you to be healed.ConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
Gratitude is the only thing that has been found to actually increase your baseline happiness, called dispositional happiness. Other things, such as self-medication, will cause a temporary increase in happiness, but then you return to the baseline. But over time gratitude increases dispositional well-being, or happiness, permanently!Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Jennifer M; Deborah W; and Maureen G, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in our Bible study on the Book of Romans!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Which of the strategies for practicing gratitude do you feel most drawn to? Can you implement each one? Is it surprising that God made thanksgiving good for us? What do you want to say to Him about that? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for all of the graces and blessings You have bestowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage; our food and shelter; our health; the loves we have for one another, our families and friends. Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessings throughout the coming year. This we ask in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Savior, through Whom all blessing from You is possible. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesLinks to 198 studies on gratitude.Overview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – reviewing the difference between gratitude and thanksgiving; understanding dispositional gratitude and dispositional happiness Minutes 12:01-24:00 – research findings on how and why gratitude affects happiness Minutes 24:01-36:00 – more studies and their findings; strategies for practicing gratitude: saying "thank you," writing letters, gratitude journalMinutes 36:01-48:00 – Ignatius Examen, counting the steps, smile, reframing, random acts of kindness (love bombs); the meaning of charity; creation thanks GodTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
According to the Scriptures, complaining and thanksgiving are both multipliers. Complaining multiplies scarcity, fear, futility, and purposelessness; while thanksgiving multiplies a few loaves and fishes to feed all who are present, with plenty left over. Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Jannifer S, and Carolyn McK, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja in our Bible study on the Book of Romans!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Have you thought about how thanksgiving for what "little" you might have could actually be the catalyst for receiving more from God as a gift? What has the Lord said to you about that through this episode? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for all of the graces and blessings You have bestowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage; our food and shelter; our health; the loves we have for one another, our families and friends. Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessings throughout the coming year. This we ask in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Savior, through Whom all blessing from You is possible. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – overview of NT prayers of thanksgiving in the Gospels and Paul Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Jesus' prayers of thanksgiving and what they brought forthMinutes 24:01-36:00 – thanksgiving is not for God; what God desires from us in thanksgiving, and what happens when we are properly thankful, especially in sufferingMinutes 36:01-48:00 – an overview of "thanksgiving" in the CatechismTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
Once, when wallowing in suffering and complaining to God, "Why me?", He answered me with, "Why not you?"It was a sobering question that re-ordered my negative thinking toward thankfulness for all the terrible things I didn't have that I could. That was when I realized it can always be worse, a reality I remind myself of every time something "bad" happens. The Jewish practice of praying the Eighteen Benedictions, or The Amidah, taught them that everything in life is ultimately a gift - undeserved and unmerited - from the great Benefactor, Who is gift Himself. Such a practice of constant thanksgiving centers one's life on eternity and prevents the faith-killing entitlement that leads to futility, purposelessness, negativity, and finally hell. Because the truth is, everything is gift, and we don't deserve any gift whatsoever. Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Ashley L; Tina S; Holly A; Amanda S; Beth W; Peggy H; Glora C; G&H E; Mary S, Mary P; Jennifer A; Anita C; Elizabeth P; Diana R; Debby F; Dawn M; Maria H; Theresa H; Stella V; Kerry K; and Christina S, for loving and lifting me! *A special "thank you" for your generosity! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: Our Bible study on the Book of Romans meets January 9!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)The familiar Mass prayer, "Blessed are You, Lord God of all creation, through Your goodness we have received this bread to offer..." is a traditional prayer of blessing over a meal. Do you say a blessing over your meals? Always? In public? What is the Holy Spirit saying to you about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for all of the graces and blessings You have bestowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage; our food and shelter; our health; the loves we have for one another, our families and friends. Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessings throughout the coming year. This we ask in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Savior, through Whom all blessing from You is possible. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesPrevious episode on the Our FatherOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Jewish prayers of thanksgiving, or blessing; The Amidah, or Eighteen BenedictionsMinutes 12:01-24:00 – life is all blessingMinutes 24:01-36:00 – the biblical connections between gratitude and humility, ingratitude and futility and purposelessnessMinutes 36:01-48:00 – the biblical connection between gratitude and wisdom and restTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
Gratitude is a worldview, but is it a secular worldview or a sacred one? If gratitude is so obviously good for us, emotionally and physically, why are we so ungrateful? And why are Christians who have so much to be grateful for as negative and as physically unhealthy as the godless? Biblical gratitude helps us return our hearts to the eternal. Living in the midst of so many evils, temptations, and sins, the problem becomes losing sight of the eternal, of becoming distracted. Gratitude helps us focus properly, and that’s why it heals.In this episode, we look at the etymology of the word gratitude, "the three benes," the differences between the secular and sacred views of gratitude, and the number one reason why we should be grateful. Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Cheri M, Sheila H, and Frances P, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: Our Bible study on the Book of Romans meets January 9!LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)Do you seek the Lord "diligently"? Do God's words to Abram, "I am your exceedingly great reward" fall flat for you in the face of your suffering? What do you want to say to Him about that?V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for all of the graces and blessings You have bestowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage; our food and shelter; our health; the loves we have for one another, our family and friends. Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessing throughout the coming year. This we ask in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Savior. Amen. +It's Time for You to Be HealedConnectJoin me in the Sacred Healing community for healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing. What We Discussed | Show NotesOverview:Minutes 00:00-12:00 – secular and sacred views of gratitude; the problem with Cain's offeringMinutes 12:01-24:00 – Old Testament and New Testament evolution of the concept of thanksgiving; the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin language roots of the term "gratitude"Minutes 24:01-36:00 – the three benesMinutes 36:01-48:00 – God's "goodness" to Abram; the number one reason to be gratefulTranscriptClick here for a transcript of the show.
You will need the Step-By-Step Guide to Working through Pop Quizzes (updated STOP Tool) to work through the content of this episode. Animals do not hold and store trauma. They do not have the capacity, because they do not have a soul (emotion, intellect, will). Because the human person is a soul-body, humans often hold on to the emotion, lies, and self-medication of memories and their stored trauma in our brains and therefore our bodies, whether consciously or unconsciously. Conversely, because the human person is soul-body, we can also choose to release the emotion, lies, and self-medication of memories and stored trauma and go on to experience "post traumatic growth." Link to Working through Pop Quizzes (updated STOP Tool). Sign up, then click Working Through Pop Quizzes on the menu. Special credit for the Working through Pop Quizzes Guide to JPII Healing Center's In-Depth Ministry Prayer and Encounter Ministries' Ministering to Wounded Memories, from which the updated STOP tool is adapted.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Mary M; Joan H; and Gary K, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: Our Bible study on the Book of Romans meets tonight!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Can you see how and where the Holy Spirit has been working through the patterns of your pop quizzes to heal you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? Have you identified your "vomit" and the typical trigger(s) for those emotional eruptions? Have you also identified your usual stress response and how that manifests physically for you? Where do you still need insight? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Precious Blood of Jesus, flow through me. Mary, Mother of Divine Love, take the Precious Blood of Jesus to the throne of God, the Father, and offer it in sweet humble adoration, then send it back flowing by the Holy Spirit as a healing of body, mind, heart, and soul. Grant me complete and total healing as I cooperate with you, Lord Jesus, in the healing of my soul and body as you direct. Amen. + It's Time for You to Be Healed
Connect Join me in the Sacred Healing community, where I'm offering healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Link to the updated STOP tool that includes physical symptoms (Sign up first, then click Working Through Pop Quizzes on the menu; where to begin working on trauma? pop quizzes!; pop quizzes and their pattern Minutes 12:01-24:00 – soul-body unity; why humans often hold onto stress emotion, lies, and self-medication of memories and their stored trauma in our brains and bodies, while animals don't Minutes 24:01-36:00 – post traumatic growth; step-by-step guide to working thru pop quizzes for physical healing, step one: S-STOP the automatic cycle Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Step-by-step guide to working thru pop quizzes for physical healing, steps two - four; T-Tell God - search with the HS for self-knowledge: emotion and behavior, images and memories, self-defense actions and discharge; lies, vows, judgments, truth; O-Offer the right sacrifice; P-Put your trust in God; Link to the updated STOP tool ...
Now that we know physical symptoms are information -- that they are the body's way of communicating a need for healing and what needs to be healed -- we can proceed to the how of the actual healing of physical memories. To heal the body's physical memories (compacted stress/traumas responses), we listen to and follow the physical symptom in our pop quizzes to 1) the theme emotion, 2) the memory/image(s), and 3) the lie(s) associated with the symptom; and finally to 4) the behavior that the body seems to want to complete from that memory. This is part one of Healing Physical Memories, Physically Working through Pop Quizzes in which I offer my own case study to show you how each of these steps, 1-4 above, show up in a real-life unhealed physical memory many, many years afterward. Link to Working through Pop Quizzes (updated STOP Tool). Sign up, then click Working Through Pop Quizzes on the menu.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Nellie K; Ruth F; Mary Z; Jessica M; Sheila W; Michele Van W; Theresa T; Luke M; Paige B, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're studying the Book of Romans!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Were you able to see yourself in my situation? Have you identified some physical symptoms associated with your pop quizzes? Can you discern the physical behavior your body seems drawn to in the memory? Do you need more light and understanding from the Holy Spirit here? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Precious Blood of Jesus, flow through me. Mary, Mother of Divine Love, take the Precious Blood of Jesus to the throne of God, the Father, and offer it in sweet humble adoration, then send it back flowing by the Holy Spirit as a healing of body, mind, heart, and soul. Grant me complete and total healing as I cooperate with you, Lord Jesus, in the healing of my soul and body as you direct. Amen. + Get Healed Already!
Connect Join me in the Sacred Healing community, where I'm offering healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Fighting the Right Battle show for help in closing spiritual doors; physical symptoms in pop quizzes are information; physical reactions are automatic and may cause momentary panic for that reason; physical memory is from the past; using the STOP tool to work through physical memory. Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Link to the updated STOP tool that includes physical symptoms (Sign up first, then click Working Through Pop Quizzes on the menu; probing for the memory under the memory; physical memory is stress memory, also called historical emotion; your body remembers, your body knows. Minutes 24:01-36:00 – stress is not "just stress" - do not discount your physical symptoms as "just stress" - instead, probe for the message in them; your body is not your enemy; your body knows how to heal. Minutes 36:01-48:00 – we cannot be in constant stress response and grow, too; somatic markers; healing the physical memory discharges the energy; the goal is to remember without an emotional or physical response; "dimming the switch" with the Emmanuel Moment; Link to the updated STOP tool that incl...
Physical symptoms are information; they are the body's way of communicating a need for healing, what needs to be healed, and even how to heal. Much of the automatic physical reaction we experience in stressful situations is ultimately ignored because we mark it down to "stress" (unavoidable!) without actually listening to what it's trying to tell us. But dismissing physical symptoms because they are "stress" causes a build-up of stress-emotion-energy -- fight or flight energy that was never discharged. Over time, this build-up is extremely unhealthy and destructive to the body, as it can never relax, heal, and grow. Listening to our bodies is the first step to healing them! Working through Pop Quizzes (updated STOP Tool) Sign up, then click Working Through Pop Quizzes on the menu.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Erin B; Leigh P; and Deborah W, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're studying the Book of Romans!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Is it surprising to you that your overwhelming automatic physical responses to stress, conflict, mistreatment, or abuse are likely symptoms of trauma? As you listened through the four stress responses, did you recognize yourself and the ways you deal with stress? Were you able to make connections between your stress responses and earlier coping mechanisms that became unhealthy and permanent? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Tell Him everything in your heart right now. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Precious Blood of Jesus, flow through me. Mary, Mother of Divine Love, take the Precious Blood of Jesus to the throne of God, the Father, and offer it in sweet humble adoration, then send it back flowing by the Holy Spirit as a healing of body, mind, heart, and soul. Grant me complete and total healing as I cooperate with you, Lord Jesus, in the healing of my soul and body as you direct. Amen. + Get Healed Already!
Connect Join me in the Sacred Healing community, where I'm offering healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Review of series so far; Emmanuel Moment (phrase coined by Dr. Carl Lahmen) Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Transforming picture or peaceful visualization as an limbic/emotional anchor; e>motion; biology of stress and trauma Minutes 24:01-36:00 – The Four Fs - four types of stress or trauma responses: fight and flight Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Flee and fawn stress responses Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Perhaps a negative view of the human body has been construed from St. Paul's remarks about "crucifying the flesh." But Paul is simply pointing out that the flesh fell with the soul in the Garden, must be restored, and will be elevated even higher to the image of Christ. Jesus reveals the Gospel of the Body. "Only in reference to the human person in his 'unified totality', that is, as 'a soul which expresses itself in a body and a body informed by an immortal spirit', can the specifically human meaning of the body be grasped. Indeed, natural inclinations take on moral relevance only insofar as they refer to the human person and his authentic fulfilment, a fulfilment which for that matter can take place always and only in human nature" (Veritatis Splendor, JPII). Man’s fulfillment takes place in his body.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Steve P; Gail P; Sylvia C; Carolyn McG; Leah P; Denise S; and Natalie K, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're studying the Book of Romans!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Can you visualize what your body would look and feel like if it were completely healthy at your current age and as you continue to age? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Tell Him everything in your heart right now. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Precious Blood of Jesus, flow through me. Mary, Mother of Divine Love, take the Precious Blood of Jesus to the throne of God, the Father, and offer it in sweet humble adoration, then send it back flowing by the Holy Spirit as a healing of body, mind, heart, and soul. Grant me complete and total healing as I cooperate with you, Lord Jesus, in the healing of my soul and body as you direct. Amen. + Get Healed Already!
Connect Join me in the Sacred Healing community, where I'm offering healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:00-12:00 – Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Perhaps we think back to the Garden of Eden and imagine how glorious it would be to live like Adam and Eve in Paradise before the fall, with our souls clear and free and full of light, and in full and immediate control of the appetites of the body. Or we try to imagine our lives without the darkness and difficulties of the suffering we have personally endured? What kind of healthy, happy person "might have been"? What if the elevation of the human person in Christ is actually BETTER than it would have been if sin and suffering had never entered the human picture? What if you, yourself, are becoming BETTER through the healing of your personal suffering, in Christ, than you would have been if you had never experienced that suffering?
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Chloe F; Noreen C; and Ester L, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're studying the Book of Romans!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Is the Holy Spirit inviting you to consider your personal suffering differently? Is it too hard to even imagine that He could elevate you ABOVE what your potential would have been without that suffering? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Tell Him everything in your heart right now. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Precious Blood of Jesus, flow through me. Mary, Mother of Divine Love, take the Precious Blood of Jesus to the throne of God, the Father, and offer it in sweet humble adoration, then send it back flowing by the Holy Spirit as a healing of body, mind, heart, and soul. Grant me complete and total healing as I cooperate with you, Lord Jesus, in the healing of my soul and body as you direct. Amen. + Get Healed Already!
Connect Join me in the Sacred Healing community, where I'm offering healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Suffering, its meaning and purpose as personal and apostolic purification in John Paul II's Salvifici Doloris Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Creation, angels, the Garden and sinlessness, the soul's full, immediate control of the body Minutes 24:01-36:00 – The disorder of soul and body at the Fall, and loss of control of the body; restoration and elevation in Christ and proper hierarchy of the human person Minutes 36:01-48:00 – O happy fault!, "grace builds on nature," "where sin abounds, grace superabounds," and the implications Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
The Church Fathers teach that the body is not the "container" for the soul, but the soul is the "container" of the body, and is everywhere throughout the body. This view is reflected in Jesus' statements, "The eye [the soul, according to the Fathers] is the light of the body. So, if your eye is sound [integrated, one], your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!" When the soul, which is everywhere in the body, is suffering and sick, the body is suffering and sick. But in Christ, man is the subject and co-creator of the salvation and redemption of both his body and soul (Theology of the Body, JPII), so that the whole human person, soul and body, becomes "full of light."
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Rhonda S; Priya P-H; and Jody C, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're studying the Book of Romans!
September's Monthly Bible Study Meet-up for Friends of the Show is tonight, September 19 at 7:00 PM CDT.
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Several things in this episode blew my mind when studying for it. Did anything jump out at you? What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Tell Him everything in your heart right now. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Precious Blood of Jesus, flow through me. Mary, Mother of Divine Love, take the Precious Blood of Jesus to the throne of God, the Father, and offer it in sweet humble adoration, then send it back flowing by the Holy Spirit as a healing of body, mind, heart, and soul. Grant me complete and total healing as I cooperate with you, Lord Jesus, in the healing of my soul and body as you direct. Amen. + Get Healed Already!
Connect Join me in the Sacred Healing community, where I'm offering healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – The body reveals the Trinitarian God and is healed by love; we are both the subject and co-creators of suffering and salvation Minutes 12:01-24:00 – The human soul is created with the body at conception; the soul as everywhere in the body as the body's "container" Minutes 24:01-36:00 – The disorder of soul and body at the fall, and loss of control of the body; restoration and elevation in Christ and proper hierarchy of the human person Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Suffering, its meaning and purpose as personal and apostolic purification in JPII's Salvifici Doloris Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
It's hard to impossible to be physically healthy when you hate your body. Media, trauma, disease, pregnancies, abuse, ageing, bullying - how a person perceives her appearance and feels in his body directly impacts his or her physical health. What is the truth about your body? "The human body shares in the dignity of "the image of God": it is a human body precisely because it is animated by a spiritual soul, and it is the whole human person that is intended to become, in the body of Christ, a temple of the Spirit . . . For this reason man may not despise his bodily life. Rather he is obliged to regard his body as good and to hold it in honour since God has created it and will raise it up on the last day" (CCC 364-365).
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Patty K; Michele F; Donna H; Mary L; Carlene G; Kathy B; Elaina C; Christine D; Suzette S; Deb F; Katrina H; Leslie A; Barbara S; John P; Casey M; and Linda P, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're studying the Book of Romans!
September's Monthly Bible Study Meet-up for Friends of the Show is September 19 at 7:00 PM CDT.
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) What events or relationships in your life affected your body image? Have you talked to God about that? Do you see your body at all differently after this episode? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Tell Him everything in your heart right now. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Go Deeper in Your Healing
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What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Outline of the new series, biblical emphasis on the body for salvation Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Christian view on human person as spirit and matter, "woven veil" in the OT tabernacle and the body as a veil for the Spirit of God in the Holy of Holies of the soul Minutes 24:01-36:00 – heresies from church history regarding the body; Gospel of the Body; Incarnation, Assumption, and Resurrection Minutes 36:01-48:00 – physical healing in the Bible and throughout church history, Veritatis Splendor on what one does in the body affects the soul and vice versa Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Unity, permanence, holiness, reverence, glory: "For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This is a great mystery, and I mean in reference to Christ and the church" (Eph 5:29-32). This is where I get to tell you some wonderful news from here on the home front about the Catholic Evangelista apostolate. The next series, Somata, on physical healing begins September 12!
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Norma C; Natalie C; and Chris G, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're studying the Book of Romans!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Has the Holy Spirit brought to mind a way you are thankful for your spouse or community? What can you do to show them your appreciation and gratitude? What do you want to say to Him about that? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Tell Him everything in your heart right now. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Connect Take the next step in your healing journey. Join me in Sacred Healing, where I'm offering healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Catholic Encyclopedia on Ephesians 5:22-33 Minutes 12:01-24:00 – final thoughts on cherishing one another in marriage and other vocations Minutes 24:01-36:00 – next series is on physical healing Minutes 36:01-48:00 – news from home and ministry Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
I've hit "wives submit to your husbands" pretty hard, but now it's time for "the rest of the story," "husbands, love your wives." Love is the center of everything, after all, and the wife's submission is only rational and only makes sense if her husband submits to her in love, by love, for love, and with love - the love of Christ Himself.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Jean I; Anita W; Karen K; Phyllis T; Allison D; Sarah H; Ally B; Kelsey W; Tara D, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're studying the Book of Romans!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) In what practical way can you deliberately communicate respect to your husband or love to your wife today? Put a plan in place with Jesus, and deliberately practice that habit this week. V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Tell Him everything in your heart right now. Take the risk, and ask Him to help you with ways to actively respect your husband or love your wife, no matter what your relationship looks like right now. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Connect Take the next step in your healing journey. Join me in Sacred Healing, where I'm offering healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – love as beginning and end of everything Minutes 12:01-24:00 – sin and defenses as "protecting love" Minutes 24:01-36:00 – mutual submission, St. Augustine's Sermon on Marriage Minutes 36:01-48:00 – what is mutual submission in vocations and marriage Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Relationships (especially in our vocations) are Providentially meant to teach us authentic love - how to give it, and how to receive it. As a matter of charity, aggressive personalities must learn to respect others' proper boundaries, and passive personalities must learn to erect proper boundaries. And all of us must learn authentic forgiveness.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Julie M; Denise S; and Amanda W, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're studying the Book of Romans!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Hold a crucifix in your hand, and meditate on the differences it teaches you between forgiveness, reconciliation, and relationship, and where repentance is required. V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Tell Him everything in your heart right now. Take the risk, and ask Him to help you discern His message under the anger and hurt. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Connect Take the next step in your healing journey. Join me in Sacred Healing, where I'm offering healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, a healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – pop quizzes; back to the Garden; the New Adam and the New Eve Minutes 12:01-24:00 – what is authentic love?; 1 Cor 13 and Eph 5:22-33 Minutes 24:01-36:00 – all vocations are married to God; Ephesians 5:22-33 as model for authentic marriage relationships Minutes 36:01-48:00 – what is forgiveness?; erecting proper boundaries, especially in abusive relationships Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
When pop quizzes come to us to through people we love, especially people we're married to, the temptation is to focus on them - their faults, their meanness, their motives. But those pop quizzes are about us, not them. The Holy Spirit is trying to heal us of wounds that are deeper and older than the offense in front of us.
Thank you to my newest Friend of the Show Diane G, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: Week 2 Chapter 2 of the Book of Romans is tomorrow!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) What was your last pop quiz with someone you live with, particularly your spouse? What was under your anger or irritation? What does the Holy Spirit want you to know about that? Perhaps you'd like to ask Him, now. V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Ask Him. Tell Him everything in your heart right now. Take the risk, and ask Him to help you discern His message under the anger and hurt. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Connect Take the next step in your healing journey. Join me in Sacred Healing, where I'm offering healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Genesis, before and after the fall; authority and control issues Minutes 12:01-24:00 – "Humanity was given to woman" (JPII and Edith Stein [St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross]); woman as the giver of life Minutes 24:01-36:00 – disorder in our vocations, particularly marriage Minutes 36:01-48:00 – exhortation to re-order authority properly, according to biblical principles Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Healing is the "science of love," as Therese of Lisieux framed it. Because all healing comes from God, and God is relationship, we are healed in the measure that we know God intimately. We cannot love God when other things are prioritized over our time and attention. We cannot know Him if we are not consciously connecting to Him. We cannot expect to experience His unconditional love while holding a bag of conditions. How do we consciously connect to Him when we cannot hear or feel Him? As all the saints and sages assert, we LOVE in silent meditation and contemplation. As St. Augustine said, "the end of the Scriptures is love": L-listen; O-observe; V-verbalize; E-entrust.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show Savana A; Julia J; Rhonda W; Maria L; Rosemary W; Jina S; Miranda Mc; and Maria H for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're studying the Book of Romans!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Where do you need more healing? Where do you need discipline and fervency in prayer? What do you want to say to Him about that? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Tell Him. Tell Him everything in your heart right now. Take the risk, and ask Him to help you in your neediness. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Connect Take the next step in your healing journey. Join me in Sacred Healing, where I'm offering healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – silence as the language of God Minutes 12:01-24:00 – biblical language of "intimacy" with God, holy jealousy Minutes 24:01-36:00 – spiritual consummation and union heals; why does God allow children suffer?: "God has made me forget," "fruitful in my affliction" Minutes 36:01-48:00 – desire and dispersed desire; Song of Solomon and spiritual consummation Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Love is the ultimate mystery, isn't it? Love is both the primary human need and the fundamental motivation of every human act: we're always, always, always either trying to get love or trying to give love. It's that basic. We need to be cherished and to cherish. Because it's as fundamental as the philosopher's "first cause," when our attempts to love or be loved are rejected or twisted, or when we are not loved well, we suffer the deepest possible suffering. On the other hand, because it's so fundamental, only love heals. Look at the saints, any of them, all of them. Name one, and I insist that saint is one who has been healed by inexhaustible Love. Cherished. A saint is one who has embraced his neediness, his deficits, his feelings of unworthiness, and dared to approach God anyway, trusting that what the Bible, the Church, and the saints all say is true: God is love. And in so doing, they experienced God, they felt His love, and it healed them. You were made to be cherished, ravished, and overwhelmed by Love. Do you dare? The language in the Bible regarding divine intimacy is extreme enough to make one uncomfortable, but oh the glory of the experience for those who dare to press into the "King's chamber" with faith!
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show Laura H; Sandra E; Christiane K; Karen B; Carol M; Elvira M; Danielle B; Regina L; Sandra McC; Joan T; Kat D; Julie F; Bodam T; Diana von G; Gig R; Sandra B; Anita B; Marie A; Heather O; Jeffrey D; Donna B; Holly R; Patricia F; Kristan O; and Flavia G for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're studying the Book of Romans!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Where and how has your understanding of love adjusted over the years? What arose in your heart throughout this show? Longing? Fear? Suspicion? Disbelief? Inspiration? Do you dare ask God to show you His love? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Tell Him. Tell Him everything in your heart right now. Take the risk, and ask Him to show you His love. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Connect Take the next step in your healing journey. Join me in Sacred Healing, where I'm offering healing prayer livestreams, Bible studies, LOVE the Word® takeaways, healing masterclass and other courses, a dynamic phone app, and a flourishing community to help you experience deeper healing.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – The Trinity as the most intimate secret of God; wisdom reveals what "cherished" means Minutes 12:01-24:00 – the cross and Eucharist as sacrificial self-donation, the Bible begins and ends with marriage, the mystery of Christ and the Church, marriage images Trinity Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Song of Solomon, Israel & Church Minutes 36:01-48:00 – divine intimacy Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
So you're needy? You were created to be needy. In fact, you were created with an abyss of neediness because your neediness was meant to be satisfied. You were created to be cherished. Adam and Eve were created needy: they needed food, water, work, and intimate relationship before sin ever entered the Garden. The tragedy of sin was that it separated Adam and Eve from the Source that was meant to satiate their neediness. But Jesus restored our connection to the Source. So embrace your neediness, direct it properly, and you will grow out of leeching and/or stoic behaviors that prevent you from fully satiating the neediness that otherwise eats you alive.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show Ann T; Amarys R; Mariann H; Michele T; Jessica J; Mary C; Fidelis L; Peggy P; Susan D; Martina MacD; Tracy D; James McN; Ellen C; Linda D; Mary McJ; Peggy H; Hannah C; Michelle M; Susan G; Rebecca H; and Amy B for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're starting our Bible study on the Book of Romans this week!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Where do you turn when you feel needy and weak? Have you noticed that your tendency to grasp outwardly for love is driven by feelings of abandonment, rejection, and or worthlessness? What happened during your Emmanuel Moment? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Connect I am no longer on Facebook. Join us in the new community forum, where we're talking about spiritual gifts, daily LOVE the Word takeaways, healing, caregiver support, and lots more.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – general outline of the Cherished series, the biological need for love, neediness in the Garden Minutes 12:01-24:00 – satiate, not substitute; the pain of separation and judgment Minutes 24:01-36:00 – embracing neediness and weakness, leech vs. stoic, Emmanuel Moment Minutes 36:01-48:00 – the limbic system and how it relates to music, art, prayer, meditation, emotion, healing; Mary shows us how to experience being cherished Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Sandwiched between St. Paul's sermon on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, and his correction of abuses of sign gifts in chapter 14, is perhaps the most beautiful treatise on love ever written. Should you have all the "best," most visible gifts, should you know and understand everything there is to know and understand, should you be martyred -- none of it profits you nor anyone else a thing, if not rooted in love. If the subject of spiritual gifts is new to you, the process of discerning your gifts may be confusing or overwhelming. What a comfort to realize we ultimately only need to "do" one thing: abide in love. So, what is love, really?
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show Sania K; Monica J; Trena W; Cyndy Mc; Joene M; Barbara O; and Mary C, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're starting our Bible study on the Book of Romans next month!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) What is the most impactful thing you have learned throughout this series on spiritual gifts? Are your spiritual gifts beginning to manifest more clearly? Have you drawn closer to the Holy Spirit? Perhaps this prayer by St. Bonaventure can help draw you more deeply into the love of the Holy Trinity: "Holy Spirit, I love you; Holy Spirit I invite you; Holy Spirit I expect you." Come Holy Spirit! V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Connect I am no longer on Facebook. Join us in the new community forum, where we're talking about spiritual gifts, daily LOVE the Word takeaways, healing, caregiver support, and lots more.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – fanning our gifts into flame (1 Tim 4:14, 2 Tim 1:6) Minutes 12:01-24:00 – St. Paul addresses abuses of sign gifts; 1 Corinthians 13 Minutes 24:01-36:00 – defining "love," agape = treating others better than they deserve when it's in their best interest Minutes 36:01-48:00 – renewing the church Resources Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Pope Paul VI
On the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World, Christefideles Laici, Pope John Paul II Fruitful Discipleship, Sherry Weddell
Iuvenescit Ecclesia, The Relationship Between Hierarchical and Charismatic Gifts in the Life and the Mission of the Church, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Sign gifts validate the authenticity of the messenger and message. Miracles, healings, tongues and interpretation of tongues all show that God is real and present in power. In this episode, we explore the sign gifts cluster and the individual sign gifts.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show Beth W; Penny S; Joanna C; Max K; Erin L; Laura E; Kristen T; Alicia S; and Meg K, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja: We're starting our Bible study on the Book of Romans next month!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) How do you feel about sign gifts? Are you suspicious of them or people who express them? Does it surprise you that they are outlined in Scripture and therefore part of the Tradition of the Church, past and present? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Connect I am no longer on Facebook. Join us in the new community forum, where we're talking about spiritual gifts, daily LOVE the Word takeaways, healing, caregiver support, and lots more.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – finishing up our exploration of the remaining service gifts Minutes 12:01-24:00 – the sign gifts, what they are and why God gives them Minutes 24:01-36:00 – biblical examples of sign gifts in action Minutes 36:01-48:00 – miracles, healings, tongues and interpretation of tongues Resources Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Pope Paul VI
On the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World, Christefideles Laici, Pope John Paul II Fruitful Discipleship, Sherry Weddell
Iuvenescit Ecclesia, The Relationship Between Hierarchical and Charismatic Gifts in the Life and the Mission of the Church, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
While those with "equipping gifts" prepare others' heads and hearts for the work of ministry through discipleship, those with "service gifts" do the hands-and-feet work of ministry. Most of us have several spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit arranges in "clusters" that help us minister effectively to others in the Church. In this episode, we explore types of service clusters and begin unpacking the nuances of individual service gifts.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show Julie S; Bonnie C; Elizabeth Mc; Margie Y; Laura B; and Katherine A, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) In evaluating your gifts, can you discern a particular arrangement that could make you effective in a specific ministry endeavor? Have you identified an underserved "gap" in your parish? Could that be the Holy Spirit inviting you to offer or begin something new? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Connect I am no longer on Facebook. Join us in the new community forum, where we're talking about spiritual gifts, daily LOVE the Word takeaways, healing, caregiver support, and lots more.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Results of the spiritual gifts quizzes; gift clusters: Service gifts: administration Minutes 12:01-24:00 – caregiving, craftsmanship Minutes 24:01-36:00 – discernment, encouragement, faith, generosity Minutes 36:01-48:00 – hospitality, intercession, mercy, mission, musicianship, trust Resources Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Pope Paul VI
On the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World, Christefideles Laici, Pope John Paul II Fruitful Discipleship, Sherry Weddell
Iuvenescit Ecclesia, The Relationship Between Hierarchical and Charismatic Gifts in the Life and the Mission of the Church, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Most of us have several spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit arranges in "clusters" that help us minister effectively to others in the Church. In this episode, we explore types of clusters and begin unpacking the nuances of individual spiritual gifts.
Sign up for the in-depth Spiritual Gifts podcast series that complements the conference here.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show Regina L and Donna G for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) In evaluating your gifts, can you discern a particular arrangement that could make you effective in a specific ministry endeavor? Have you identified an underserved "gap" in your parish? Could that be the Holy Spirit inviting you to offer or begin something new? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Connect I am no longer on Facebook. Join us in the new community forum, where we're talking about spiritual gifts, daily LOVE the Word takeaways, healing, caregiver support, and lots more.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Gift Clusters: Equipping and/or speaking gifts: apostle/shepherd Minutes 12:01-24:00 – prophecy, evangelism Minutes 24:01-36:00 – teacher; other "cluster" patterns Minutes 36:01-48:00 – stay in your lane; LOVE the Word and Fresh Wind Resources Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Pope Paul VI
On the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World, Christefideles Laici, Pope John Paul II Fruitful Discipleship, Sherry Weddell
Iuvenescit Ecclesia, The Relationship Between Hierarchical and Charismatic Gifts in the Life and the Mission of the Church, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Now that you've taken the quiz, listened to the talks, and read a little about your gifts, what's next? First: a warm welcome to new listeners and a sincere request to you to stay subscribed through Pentecost. St. Paul says we, the church, are the answer to renewal for the Church and the world (Eph 4), and you need a community in which to grow and discern your spiritual gifts in power and effectiveness. I hope you and I might even become friends. So give yourself the gift of God's word from the "one table" of the Scriptures and the Eucharist (CCC 103), and listen for the next several weeks. Please. Below is my closing audio and video message from Saturday afternoon at the Spiritual Gifts Conference, in case you missed it. In it, I offer you a path forward and next steps to continue your discernment. This week you have time to catch up on any of the episodes from the Spiritual Gifts Podcast Series you may have missed, and next week I'll give you the stats on the quiz over the 12K who registered and took it; we will begin looking at the categories of spiritual gifts -- Equipping Gifts | Service Gifts | Sign Gifts -- exploring the gifts individually, and ways they can be clustered. If you had questions about differences in this weekend's gift quiz results and others you have taken, the podcasts in the remainder of this series will help clear up your questions, as we dig deeply into the the nuances between the gifts and how the differences help us distinguish between gifts that are otherwise similar, such as leadership and apostleship. Click the picture below to get the previous shows in the spiritual gifts series. Click here to listen to any of the shows in the series you may have missed.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show Josie O'R; Deirdre E; Suzette S; Maria L; Therese F; Claire & Z; Jill D, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Where are you confused about your gifts? What did you learn about them over the weekend? Do you lack opportunities to use your gifts? What do you want to say to the Holy Spirit about that? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Connect I am no longer on Facebook. Join us in the new community forum, where we're talking about spiritual gifts, daily LOVE the Word takeaways, healing, caregiver support, and lots more.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – A path forward and next steps for discerning your spiritual gifts Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Resources Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Pope Paul VI
On the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World, Christefideles Laici, Pope John Paul II Fruitful Discipleship, Sherry Weddell
Iuvenescit Ecclesia, The Relationship Between Hierarchical and Charismatic Gifts in the Life and the Mission of the Church, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Rather than "another 'thing' we have to do," our spiritual gifts feel very natural - even supernatural - to us, and are meant to be discerned and used in the context of our vocations and duties and stations in life. "In keeping with their vocations, the demands of the times and the various gifts of he Holy Spirit, the apostolate [ministry] assumes the most varied forms. But charity, drawn from the Eucharist above all, is always as it were, the soul of the whole apostolate (CCC 864).
Sign up for the conference here. Sign up for the in-depth Spiritual Gifts podcast series that complements the conference here.
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) When discerning your spiritual gifts, remember that it is likely you have been using your spiritual gifts already, in the workplace and at home. What is your favorite part of "doing" your vocation? Could that be related to a spiritual gift? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Connect I am no longer on Facebook. Join us in the new community forum, where we're talking about spiritual gifts, daily LOVE the Word takeaways, healing, caregiver support, and lots more.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Conference info, three gifts: 1) Himself, 2) to state in life, 3) spiritual gifts Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Holy Orders, religious life, marriage and family, singleness Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Vocation as the context for discerning and using spiritual gifts Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Duty of Christian married partners, some rules for discernment Resources Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Pope Paul VI
On the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World, Christefideles Laici, Pope John Paul II Fruitful Discipleship, Sherry Weddell
Iuvenescit Ecclesia, The Relationship Between Hierarchical and Charismatic Gifts in the Life and the Mission of the Church, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
"The gifts also have a personal usefulness, because their service of the common good favors the growth of charity in those who possess them . . . In the essential work of new evangelization, it is now more than ever necessary to recognize and value the numerous charisms capable of reawakening and nourishing the life of faith of the People of God" (Iuvenescit Ecclesia).
Sign up for the conference here. Sign up for the in-depth Spiritual Gifts podcast series that complements the conference here.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show Jessica W; Monica de R; Adriana C; Katina I; Michele VW; Elizabeth C; and Kelley D, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Have you acknowledged the Holy Spirit in your life and in prayer? In a posture of the heart, rather than thought, ask Him what He wants you to know about Him, now. V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Connect I am no longer on Facebook. Join us in the new community forum, where we're talking about spiritual gifts, daily LOVE the Word takeaways, healing, caregiver support, and lots more.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Pneumatology and the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, Paul's reminder to Timothy and to us to "stir up the gift..." (2 Tim 1:6) Minutes 12:01-24:00 – The "gift" is the Holy Spirit Himself, relationship first Minutes 24:01-36:00 – three "categories" of grace: sanctifying grace, sacramental grace; charismatic grace of which there are three subcategories: spiritual gifts, founding gifts, hierarchical gifts Minutes 36:01-48:00 – holiness = transparency, the call to holiness Resources Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Pope Paul VI
On the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World, Christefideles Laici, Pope John Paul II Fruitful Discipleship, Sherry Weddell
Iuvenescit Ecclesia, The Relationship Between Hierarchical and Charismatic Gifts in the Life and the Mission of the Church, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
Grace [charis] is first and foremost the gift of the Spirit who justifies and sanctifies us. But grace also includes the gifts [charismata] that the Spirit grants us to associate us with his work, to enable us to collaborate in the salvation of others and in the growth of the Body of Christ, the Church. There are sacramental graces, gifts proper to the different sacraments. There are furthermore special graces, also called charisms after the Greek term used by St. Paul and meaning "favor," "gratuitous gift," "benefit." Whatever their character - sometimes it is extraordinary, such as the gift of miracles or of tongues - charisms are oriented toward sanctifying grace and are intended for the common good of the Church. They are at the service of charity which builds up the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2003).
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Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show Sherrie T; Katherine B; Denise M; Vicky L; Meg K; Elizabeth H; Mary O'D; Kathy R; Vanessa B; Rachel M; Kathy J; Beth L: Sarah R; Patricia J; Jennifer C; Bronwyn B; Kate A; Apryl B; Katherine C; Cheryl K; Barbara Ann S; Jennifer J; Christina A; Nancy K; Christine W; Elizabeth C; Gabriela M; Denise S; DeeAnna G; Joan T; Tommi W; Kim G; Melissa H; Beth K; Kathleen N; Brie C; Janice B; Theresa T; Teran G; Sarah K; Lisa C; Robyn M; Maria I; Denise M; Fidelis L; Margit C; Natalie W; Jane S; Joan R; Christian K; Ed P; Mary F; Karen A; Michelle S; Jennifer C; Rosemarie B; Miriam F; Dianne; Miryam B; Regina S; Meredith P; Julie S; Vicki G; and Cordelia N for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) What has the Holy Spirit said to you through this episode on spiritual gifts? Do you know or have an idea of what your gifts are? What do you want to say to Him about this show? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, and there shall be a new creation, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen. + Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Connect I am no longer on Facebook. Join us in the new community forum, where we're talking about spiritual gifts, daily LOVE the Word takeaways, healing, caregiver support, and lots more.
What We Discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – The call is to everyone: "Why do you stand here idle all day?" (Matt 20:3-4); you have a "totally unique contribution" to make to the Church's mission Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Charismata are not the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit we receive in baptism; St. Paul's exhortation on spiritual gifts and his description in 1 Corinthians 12 Minutes 24:01-36:00 – gift passages: Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4, and 1 Corinthians 12; seven gifts of the Holy Spirit we receive at Baptism and Confirmation are for your sanctification, while the spiritual gifts build up the Church Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Equipping gifts, Service gifts, Sign gifts Resources Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Pope Paul VI
On the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World, Christefideles Laici, Pope John Paul II Fruitful Discipleship, Sherry Weddell
Transcript Click here for a transcript of the show.
I have so many updates!! I am so glad it is a new springtime and the fresh wind of the Holy Spirit is stirring within the Church and the world. He's stirring here too. Listen and explore the links below for all that is happening:
social media and new discussion forum spiritual gifts podcast and conference (links below) healing pilgrimages to Medjugorje and Holy Land for 2023 monthly Zoom meet-ups with me for Friends of the Show, and FOTS updates Shalom TV series prayer team private consultations self-paced course for healing
Thank you to my Friends of the Show for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content and monthly meet-ups with Sonja!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.) O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Connect We're discussing the readings and everything else on the new forum community page! Come chat with us!
If suffering is redemptive in Christ, should we really expect healing? In this week's book club, we talk about the two ways the Bible speaks of suffering, and pray for physical healing. The next series, Cherished, is postponed for a couple of weeks, until I can get the website back in order. Keep an eye on the Facebook and Instagram pages for forthcoming details.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
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O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Do you need physical healing? Do you expect Jesus to heal you? Why or why not? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady’s heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Facebook page. Come chat with us.
How do you identify your primary attachment need; where is the line between doing “all things with great love” and being perfectionist; what about judgmental attitudes? And a one-on-one with one who battles control issues with adult children. I emailed everyone the Zoom links again this week. Please check your spam folder, as many found their Zoom emails there. See you tonight at 6:30 PM CST or via email next week!
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) What are you learning about how to implement the tools from the Just Rest book and the Freedom from Anxiety series from the book club. Have you seen yourself in the one-on-ones? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady’s heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Facebook page. Come chat with us.
This week we talked about codependency, prodependency, enabling, and other issues related to proper posture in marriage authority issues. How does God use pop quizzes to address issues in our marriages to heal us of our authority wounds?
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show: Patricia Hol; Amanda F; Patricia How; Mary L; Julie M, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) How are the book club meetings and what you're learning from the book dovetailing with your daily readings? Have you noticed how God is supporting you in His word through the readings? We’re sharing insights and support for one another on the Facebook Discussion page. V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady’s heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Facebook page. Come chat with us.
God's invitation for you to work with Him always affects those around you, and they will not always understand or support your efforts to grow and change out of old, destructive, but comfortable ways. How do we manage their expectations and needs while also addressing our own? We're moving into chapter three of Just Rest, addressing our emotions and the logistics of healing in the midst of other important relationships.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show: Rachel B; Lisa O'L; Margeory C; Katey U; Michele VW; Patty A; Melissa F; Marie F; Agnieszka B; Geretta B; Juanita G; Jennifer C; and Allyson M, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) How are the book club meetings and what you're learning from the book dovetailing with your daily readings? Have you noticed how God is supporting you in His word through the readings? We’re sharing insights and support for one another on the Facebook Discussion page. V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady’s heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Facebook page. Come chat with us.
Where do I begin? How can I tell the difference between demonic attack and pop quizzes? How do I continue to heal? How do I determine my predominant fault? These questions and more are part of week two of our book club. Audio and video are below. I emailed everyone the Zoom links again this week. Please check your spam folder, as many found their Zoom emails there. See you tomorrow at 6:30 PM CST or via email next week!
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show: Joyce D; Barbara F; Joymarie R; Janice B; Christina N; Marianne H; Nancy W; Kathleen D'B; Kathy G; Bonnie C; Celeste M; Karen T; and Donna M, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Have you read the book? Have you listened to the Freedom from Anxiety podcast series? What did the first book club meeting add to your understanding? What has God said to you? What does He want you to do next? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady’s heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Facebook page. Come chat with us.
An anxiety checklist (get yours here), our three brains, "growing a set," hearing God speak and discerning His will, a one-on-one with a brave and hurting soul, finding your purpose, and best Scripture and journaling practices were on this week's book club agenda. Below is the audio from our meeting. Next week I hope to provide video, but this week's meeting showed a huge grid of participants that made it hard to follow, especially during the one-on-one. So only audio this week, and we'll try to provide video, too, next week. If you were left in the waiting room, I expected about half of those registered to show up (Surprise! It seems almost all of you did.), and the list of participants was so long, we did not see you there. We will do a better job next week of keeping an eye on the waiting room, but come early; we close the room at 6:35 CST. If you cannot find the Zoom links emailed to you at registration and again on Tuesday as a reminder, please check your spam folder. Everyone (but one, who registered under the wrong email address) found their Zoom emails there. See you tomorrow at 6:30 PM CST or via email next week!
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show (earliest, from last post, to most recent), Rose C; James R; Paul D; Kara T; Mary-Cynthia P; Sally R; Maryann F; Christine S; Colleen S; Leticia S; Brenda P; Caitlyn T; Ingrid N; Lisa C!; Christine O; Cynthia H; Ro B; Katherine H; Marcie C; Lynne A; Marichelle R; Karen B; Ruth F; Christine McE; Hollie K; Stacie D; Cathy K; Diane F; Sue F; Brenda C; Maria A; Erica H; Meredith P; Kara R; Jeanne F; Joan T; and Stacie M, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Have you read the book? Have you listened to the Freedom from Anxiety podcast series? What did the first book club meeting add to your understanding? What has God said to you? What does He want you to do next? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady’s heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Facebook page. Come chat with us.
Rest is not merely inactivity. Although it certainly includes leisure, rest involves the entire human person, in thoughts, emotions, body, and soul. In this episode we explore what the Bible means when it commands us to observe Sabbath rest.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Roger B; Ann C; Jennifer S; Teresa V; Fiona C; Cecilia H; Lisa S; Stacey S; Karen L; and Mandi W, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Could a neglect of keeping a proper Sunday observance be contributing to your unrest? What small steps can you begin taking today to make your Sundays more restful for yourself and your family? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady's heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Loose ends Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Rest includes the whole person: thoughts, emotions, body, and soul Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Worship/rest is part of natural law and the number one way we can begin experiencing rest in our bodies and souls Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Worshipping properly, resting properly; next series Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Facebook page. Come chat with us. Read the Transcript Click here for a transcript of this episode.
The body has two systems of protection. The immune system fights inner threats, and the "fight or flight" system protects from external threats. Stress only becomes a serious physical problem when it moves from temporary to persistent or is aggravated by negative, fear-driven thoughts and emotion. Research shows that fear triggers known and measurable physical and chemical responses, throwing the body into a frantic, sick state. Neck, shoulder, head, and back problems are exoskeletal and nervous system issues - structural issues. In the Bible they are related to the will, the "structure" that human life and existence are built on. When we willfully step out from under the protective, authoritative structure God has put into place, we often experience symptoms in these areas, such as migraines, muscle aches, back problems, and insomnia. Here's how to re-order the structure of your life by re-ordering your will.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Allison R; Tara R; Michele K; Ellen C; Patricia P; Sylvia R; Christopher W; Susan H; Ann L; Jacquie N; and Gabriela M, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Did you gain any insight through this episode on migraines, neck and back pain? On the complications and messes in your marriage and family? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady's heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Fear and anxiety is now tied with obesity as the most likely predictor of mortality once someone enters the hospital. See sections: Abstract/Results and Results paragraph 3 Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Neck, shoulder, and back problems as rooted in authority issues Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Hierarchy and authority in marriage and family Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Handling problems with authority properly Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Facebook page. Come chat with us. Read the Transcript Click here for a transcript of this episode.
No matter how many big or little sufferings we offer up, if we do not also allow God to transform the thoughts and emotions surrounding our sufferings, we have not really discerned or submitted to their purpose; we have not undergone the deep transformation that Jesus died to give us and that the Bible calls a Sabbath rest. Because it is such a profound, secret work, only God can identify and accomplish in us the deep soul work of purgatory, or sanctification, as thoroughly as we need it. He does not simply cover our sins with his blood, he scrubs out the deep, set-in wounds, “all unrighteousness.” We can and must dispose ourselves to receive this rest, but is always still a gift, one that God insistently offers us through the repeating circumstances and relationships that are meant to attract our attention and cooperation.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Bill R; Cindy D; Venera F; Joyanna D; Carrie H; Sarah D; Martina Mac D; Deborah B; Carmen L; Diane G; Eileen T; Mary G; Colleen W; Maria H; Anna N; Janet S; Sandra G; Rebecca M; and Ann C, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) If you have not done so yet, I'd like you to try the visualization technique and the Mirror Exercise I offered in this episode. What do you want to say to the Lord about those? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady's heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Visualization exercise for transforming emotion (continued from last week) Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Addressing and battling worthlessness, healing the root Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Mirror exercise Minutes 36:01-48:00 – "There is now no condemnation" (Rom 8:1); praise confounds the enemy Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Facebook page. Come chat with us. Read the Transcript Click here for a transcript of this episode.
If thoughts are sparks of energy, emotions are currents. Emotions do not have boundaries. They cannot be controlled or ignored or silenced; they must be acknowledged and transformed, or they will resurface elsewhere, as in sickness, addiction, and historical emotions. Unaddressed emotion drives negativity and destructive behaviors and makes them circular and uncontrollable. But the Holy Spirit transforms and heals emotions. Find out how. Friends of the Show Bonus Segment below. If you are a Friend of the Show: two audio players are visible if you are already signed in. If not, the first one is protected until you sign in. The first player is the bonus segment; the second player is the regular episode. Sign up and/or sign in as Friend of the Show to access the bonus segment.
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) What is your greatest fear? Have you acknowledged it to yourself? To God? Does the emotion of that fear drive your behavior in some way? What do you want to say to the Lord about that? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady's heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Forgiveness; trauma, PTSD, and EMDR; media; review separating thought from emotion; controlling thoughts Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Job's greatest fear; addressing latent fear in the desert Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Sugar as a relationship; addiction; attachment cries Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Transforming emotion with the Holy Spirit; science behind visualization; visualization exercise Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
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Like the children of Israel in the desert, our thoughts and emotions are reflected in our words, and words have creative power for death or life (Prov 18:21). We can forfeit rest through constant negativity and complaining, the way they did, or we can follow the creative Consciousness of the universe to the promised land of rest.
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Have you noticed that the more you complain and murmur, the more you get what you've complained and murmured about? Whether you think it's worth having or not . . . you're right. What do you want to say to Him about that? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady's heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – A quantum universe in which all possibilities exist simultaneously Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Why the children of Israel had everything they needed in the desert Minutes 24:01-36:00 – The tongue directs one's life (James 3); life and death are in the tongue (Prov 18:21) Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Words have power and are creative (Gen 1, John 1, Heb 1); words determine eternity, whether justification or condemnation (Matt 12:36); what the people received in the wilderness corresponded directly with what they thought and emoted, as evidenced in what they said; learning to sow peace and rest with our words Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
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God is always leading us to the Promised Land of rest. Rest is not simply inactivity. Rest is a not a luxury. Rest is a discipline. Rest is a promise. We dispose ourselves to receive the promise of rest through a disciplined desert process common to God’s people from the beginning. The biblical Exodus story is a map through this desert process, showing us the disciplines that offer “dew” – God’s renewing presence in the desert that leads us to the superabundance of rest in thought, emotion, body, and soul.
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) What's your knee-jerk reaction to deprivation? Is it related to your go-to sin, your predominant fault? How will you deal with deprivation differently after listening to the show? V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady's heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Hebrews 3:7-4:11 as text for how to dispose ourselves for the biblical Promised Land of rest; breakdown of verses 7-11 Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Breakdown of verses 12-19; "Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts"; the "evil heart of unbelief"; eschatological rest and earthly rest; protection vs. growth Minutes 24:01-36:00 – God teaches rest through deprivations: Exodus 15 and "bitter" water; manna conformed to everyone's thoughts (Wis 16:21) Minutes 36:01-48:00 – What the people received in the wilderness corresponded directly with what they thought and emoted, as evidenced in what they said; learning to draw on the Lord for consolation and strength Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Facebook page. Come chat with us. Read the Transcript Click here for a transcript of this episode.
Brain research and the science of thought are broad fields, but we know now that the brain is not static. Every thought actively changes your brain and body for better or worse. Toxic, negative thoughts and emotions are controllable, transformable, and healable, even after long-term habits of painful negativity! Find out the predictable biological mechanisms of anxiety, and begin working toward rest in this episode.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Aisling H and Jennifer K, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Do you find knowing the science behind racing, negative, worrisome thoughts and emotions empowering? We are truly fearfully, wonderfully made! What do you need to say to the Holy Spirit about that? Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady's heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – The spiritual root of anxiety; anxiety and sin Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Brain science and science of thought; the connection between thoughts and emotions and the body Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Incoming sensory information; processing in the thalamus; hypothalamus prepares chemical response; endocrine system secretes proper chemicals Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Amygdala as temporary storage, connected to frontal lobe and decision making; hippocampus classifies thought and emotion as temporary or permanent and converts; neuroplasticity and changing the brain with reflection and healing with the Holy Spirit's wisdom Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
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Fight the right battle. You feel like you're spinning your wheels, laboring till you're exhausted but seeing little permanent fruit. You're depressed that certain relationships are a perpetual painful morass. You're frustrated that the numerous "prescriptions" of faith that you've tried are not working. I get it. We expend a lot of energy fighting the wrong battles, and such futility is an underlying cause of anxiety. This episode explores how to fight the right battle: how to work with the Holy Spirit for lasting peace rather than against Him. Our focus is on temporary relief, while His is on our permanent rest in Him. So we must determine to lean into the difficulties He allows and "suffer creatively," as St. John of the Cross says.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Jeannie L; Cathy N; Michele T; and Mary McD, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary.
Because I wrote a special LOVE the Word® section for it, my listeners get the Ave Maria Press Notetaking Bible at a discount! Use code CORBITTBIBLE at this link, and get the imitation leather edition for $55 (I have this one) or the hardcover edition for $45.
Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Did a particular relationship or repeating pattern come to mind during this show? What do you need to say to the Holy Spirit about that? Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady's heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Biblical definition of sin as destruction and "stain"; sin we commit and sin committed against us, and the anxiety effect Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Predominant fault and particular vices; identifying patterns in relationships and circumstances Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Historical emotions and woundedness as the root of predominant fault Minutes 36:01-48:00 – The real battle and the real authority Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Bible Study Evangelista Facebook Discussion page. Come chat with us. Read the Transcript Click here for a written transcript of this episode.
It may seem like an oxymoron, but rest is a discipline. The number one thing you need to know in battling anxiety is that it does not come from God. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control" (2 Tim 1:7). Anxiety is an attack of the enemy, therefore we must close the doors of vulnerability that our unresolved experiences in life have left open. What are those doors? This episode explores the open doors and how to close them once and for all.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Kristine B; Denise S; Jaime S; Sally R; Davida B; Christine Mc; Charlotte S; and Timothy H, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary.
Because I wrote a special LOVE the Word® section for it, my listeners get the Ave Maria Press Notetaking Bible at a discount! Use code CORBITTBIBLE at this link, and get the imitation leather edition for $55 (I have this one) or the hardcover edition for $45.
Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) During the section of forgiving mom and dad, people with whom you have soul ties, self, and God, did a particular person or memory come to mind? What do you want to say to the Holy Spirit about that? Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady's heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + (Prayer for Inner Healing, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, Fr. Ripperger) What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Biblical rest as "one, peace, rest"--giving over, blissful relaxation--that "transcends" human understanding, meaning "to hold above, rise above, to be superior." Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Simple biblical command is: do not worry. Have no anxiety. Worry = "to strangle, to choke." Minutes 24:01-36:00 – The root of anxiety as demonic harassment; divine biblical law is to forgive until complete; soul ties Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Open doors: unforgiveness, soul ties, predominant fault Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Bible Study Evangelista Facebook Discussion page. Come chat with us. Read the Transcript Click here for a written transcript of this episode.
St. Joseph is stepping into a more visible role in the Church right now, and inviting you to develop a relationship with him. In learning about his roles as prophet, priest, and king of the Holy Family and prince of the Church, we get to know him more personally, and how he operates in those roles on our behalf. In conclusion of our series, I'd like to leave you with a list of prayers for the Year of St. Joseph, here at this link.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Gina S and Geraldine G, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary.
Because I wrote a special LOVE the Word® section for it, my listeners get the Ave Maria Press Notetaking Bible at a discount! Use code CORBITTBIBLE at this link, and get the imitation leather edition for $55 (I have this one) or the hardcover edition for $45.
Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Can you discern St. Joseph's activity in your life through his roles of protector, provider, and guide? What do you want to say to him about that? Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Remember, O most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, my great protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection, or implored your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding therefore in your goodness, I come before you. Do not turn down my petitions, foster father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen + What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Overview of Joseph as priest and prophet of the Holy Family Minutes 12:01-24:00 – St. Joseph as contemplative and man of prayer Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Joseph's purity and chastity as key to his power and authority Minutes 36:01-48:00 – How to imitate Joseph's example of purity and chastity, whether man or woman Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Bible Study Evangelista Facebook Discussion page. Come chat with us. Read the Transcript Click here for a written transcript of this episode.
Every man is called to fatherhood and priesthood by virtue of his masculinity. Like Abraham, the Father of Faith, whose faith was "accounted" to him as righteousness, St. Joseph's accumulated acts of sacrificial faith in his role of father and priest of the Holy Family formed him and made him capable for his larger role as the Pillar of Families for the whole Church. In accepting and receiving our men, faults and all--husbands, sons, priests, fathers--we receive Joseph, in a sense. We participate in nurturing their role as priests and fathers knowing that St. Joseph works through them on our behalf in, with, and through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Debbie S and Jeannette H, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary.
Because I wrote a special LOVE the Word® section for it, my listeners get the Ave Maria Press Notetaking Bible at a discount! Use code CORBITTBIBLE at this link, and get the imitation leather edition for $55 (I have this one) or the hardcover edition for $45.
Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Accepting our men faults and all does not mean accepting abuse or being a doormat. Rather, it means receiving who they are--their personalities and temperaments, talents and gifts, roles and decisions--without trying to control or change them. Our husbands, sons, priests, and dads are imperfect as we are imperfect, but they are God's provision for us, as OT Joseph and St. Joseph illustrate. How does St. Joseph encourage you to accept and receive the men in your life, faults and all? In what little ways can you communicate to them your acceptance of who they are, today? Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Remember, O most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, my great protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection, or implored your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding therefore in your goodness, I come before you. Do not turn down my petitions, foster father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen + What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Tracing the twelve tribes back to Abraham, the Father of Faith Minutes 12:01-24:00 – What it means that Abraham's faith was "accounted" to him as righteousness Minutes 24:01-36:00 – St. Joseph as model of fatherhood Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Unpacking Psalm 105 and Isaiah 22 as history and prophecy of the two Josephs Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
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In this episode we explore Old Testament Joseph's life, because in order to understand St. Joseph as patron of the Church, we must know something of his ancestor, OT Joseph, for whom he is named. Psalm 105 gives us a snapshot of OT Joseph, and a prophecy of NT Joseph: "When he summoned a famine on the land, and broke every staff of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters, his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass the word of the Lord tested him. The king sent and released him, the ruler of the peoples set him free; he made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions, to instruct his princes at his pleasure, and to teach his elders wisdom" (Ps 105:16-22, emphasis mine).
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Gena M; Erin C; Mary Z; Michele Van W; Anita C; Julie N; and Joan R, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary.
Because I wrote a special LOVE the Word® section for it, my listeners get the Ave Maria Press Notetaking Bible at a discount! Use code CORBITTBIBLE at this link, and get the imitation leather edition for $55 (I have this one) or the hardcover edition for $45.
Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) One of my favorite things about OT Joseph is how he bore up under injustice and adversity and continued to operate in his gifts wherever he found himself. Ultimately, God used all of Joseph's sufferings as stepping-stones to something greater and to the benefit of everyone: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many should be kept alive..." (Gen 50:20).
As you observe your own dysfunctional family relationships and circumstances, and the suffering there, can you discern an ultimate good toward which God might be moving all of you? In your family, is there one person who seems to be in the role of Joseph? Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Lord, they may have meant evil against me, but You meant it for good (Gen 50:20). Help me to wait for your vindication, and as I wait, help me to forgive. Amen + What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Why Sonja began studying St. Joseph Minutes 12:01-24:00 – What St. Joseph wanted Sonja to know about him Minutes 24:01-36:00 – OT Joseph, Genesis 37-40: from prophecy to the pit, from the pit to Potipher's, from Potipher's to prison Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Genesis 41-50: From prison to prominence Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Bible Study Evangelista Facebook Discussion page. Come chat with us. Read the Transcript Click here for a written transcript of this episode.
Week 1 | Psalm 6
letuspray
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments; according to The Sheminith. A Psalm of David.
1 O Lord, rebuke me not in thy anger, nor chasten me in thy wrath. 2 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled. 3 My soul also is sorely troubled. But thou, O Lord—how long?
4 Turn, O Lord, save my life; deliver me for the sake of thy steadfast love. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee; in Sheol who can give thee praise?
6 I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. 7 My eye wastes away because of grief, it grows weak because of all my foes.
8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil; for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. 9 The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord accepts my prayer. 10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and sorely troubled; they shall turn back, and be put to shame in a moment.
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Lent is THE perfect time to get your 2021 LOVE the Word® Journal, so you can begin 40 days of learning to LOVE the Word with Mary. Preview the interior, get a free guide and journal page, and order, here.
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) How does this psalm fit with what you've been seeing and hearing in the daily readings? What do you sense He is calling you to this Lent? Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) What do you want to say to Him about that? Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) O Lord, rebuke me not in thy anger, nor chasten me in thy wrath. Amen + What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – Greek and Hebrew numbering, history of the penitential psalms and their prayer, the biblical meaning of penance and repentance Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Old and New Testament understandings of repentance, Psalm 6 verses 1 and 2: biblical meaning of God's wrath and anger; verses 4-5, Sheol Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Psalm 6 verses 6-10: public vindication from God before enemies Minutes 36:01-48:00 – Sonja's highlights from the daily readings for this week as a call to a particular Lenten penance, nationally and personally Other Resources Create in Me a Clean Heart: 10 Minutes a Day with the Penitential Psalms, book by Sarah Christmyer
A "Spiritual Cleanse" with the Penitential Psalms Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We’re talking over on the Bible Study Evangelista Facebook Discussion page. Come chat with us. Read the Transcript Click here for a written transcript of this episode thanks to Dora Donovan, our transcriptionist for this episode.
I offered an update in the last segment of the last show summarizing our encore series on end times prophecy, and talked a little about the next series.
Public revelation in Christ (Apostolic Tradition and Scripture) ALWAYS takes primary place in discerning end times events and prophecies. Not Marian apparitions, contemporary prophets, or fascinating modern predictions.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Bridget B; Rodney H; Colleen W; Kathy Y; Amy W; Lynn T; Dianne P; and Cynthia C, for loving and lifting me! Friends of the Show get all Premium Content! She's here!
Lent comes early this year! Get your 2021 LOVE the Word® Journal, available now. Preview the interior, get a free guide and journal page, and preorder for Lent, here.
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. Listen (Receive the Word via audio.)
Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains it will do so until He is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearing and his coming” (2 Thess 2:7-8). Amen, and hallelujah!
What is "the breath of His mouth"? Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) What do you want to say to Him about that? Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Lord Jesus! Amen + What we discussed | Show Notes Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 – News and updates Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Summary of timeline Minutes 24:01-36:00 – Summary continued Minutes 36:01-48:00 – What's next Sonja's Important Eschatological Qualification Catholic eschatology is what's called "speculative theology." This designation means little has been defined by the Magisterium concerning the end times, so the subject is open for speculation and development by Catholics seeking truth via Sacred Tradition (history) and Sacred Scripture. I attempt throughout the series to make clear what is public revelation and therefore part of the Deposit of Faith, and what is approved private revelation and not a matter of adherence. Dr. Scott Hahn most recently put forth the liturgical and historical interpretation of the Book of Revelation without alleging that there is no end times application. Many non-Catholics hold to either this interpretation or an eschatological interpretation; the Church maintains that the proper interpretation is not either history or prophecy, but both history and prophecy, as biblical prophecy and apocalyptic literature always is: there is usually more than one fulfillment of prophecy. Because much of eschatology is a matter of speculative theology, we are free to ruminate and speculate. Resources How to read St. John’s Apocalypse, or the Book of Revelation As History
AD 63-64 St. Peter is crucified upside-down by Nero AD 66 Jewish revolt against Florus spreads throughout Judea in “Jewish War” AD 68 Nero commits suicide AD 69 Gospel of Mark written 70 Romans sack and burn Jerusalem, complete destruction of Old Covenant “world” 73 Jews at Masada commit suicide 75 Book of Hebrews written 85-90 Gospels Matthew and Luke and Book of Acts written 90-95 Gospel of John completed 93 Josephus writes Antiquities of the Jews, a Jewish history through post-biblical times
Yes, we are at the end. But not the end, end. There are still quite a few events that Scripture tells us about that have not yet occurred. But we are closer than ever before, as for the first time in history there is a global economic system coming online early this year, and because of Covid nations are cooperating in ways they never have before. But before the end, some glorious things will happen too.
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja’s method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. Listen (Receive the Word via audio.) "Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with the drunken, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth" (Matt 24:45-51). Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Using all your senses, try to imagine Jesus coming to your home as the Master of your household the way He says it will happen in this passage. What do you see as He comes to your house? What do you hear? What are your thoughts and feelings as He approaches? What does He find? What does He say to you? What is the faithful servant supposed to be doing in this scenario of Jesus' Second Coming? What is the food He speaks of? What are the rewards and punishments spoken of here? Why is the wicked servant a hypocrite? Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief (Mark 9:24)! Amen + Sonja's Important Eschatological Qualification Catholic eschatology is what's called "speculative theology." This designation means little has been defined by the Magisterium concerning the end times, so the subject is open for speculation and development by Catholics seeking truth via Sacred Tradition (history) and Sacred Scripture. I attempt throughout the series to make clear what is public revelation and therefore part of the Deposit of Faith, and what is approved private revelation and not a matter of adherence. Dr. Scott Hahn most recently put forth the liturgical and historical interpretation of the Book of Revelation without alleging that there is no end times application. Many non-Catholics hold to either this interpretation or an eschatological interpretation; the Church maintains that the proper interpretation is not either history or prophecy, but both history and prophecy, as biblical prophecy and apocalyptic literature always is: there is usually more than one fulfillment of prophecy. Because much of eschatology is a matter of speculative theology,
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja's method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L - Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O - Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Show Notes Topics Discussed: Overview: Additional Resources: Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
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Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor. Justice toward God is called the "virtue of religion." [Worship.] Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good. The just man, often mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, is distinguished by habitual right thinking and the uprightness of his conduct toward his neighbor (CCC 1807). "Justice is a habit whereby a man renders to each one his due by a constant and perpetual will" (St. Thomas Aquinas). "For the rich man in the Gospel who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and feasted sumptuously every day, is not said to have stolen what belonged to others, but to have used what was his own unfruitfully; and hell received him after this life, not because he did anything unlawful but because by immoderate indulgence he gave up his whole self to what was lawful" (St. Augustine).
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja's method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L - Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O - Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)
Do I vote and live each day with human dignity, marriage and family, the poor, and the other principles of Catholic Social Justice in mind? Do I search for purpose, the interior life, for God in those I meet in my daily interactions? Do I hold myself and others responsible for the rights we are gifted with? Do I consider the rights of workers over the rights of those who will not work? Do I serve the poor with a consideration that justice demands what I offer them? Do I meditate on my own oneness and connectedness with my neighbor and God? Have I taken measures to simplify my consumption? Have I stopped littering? Do I recycle as much as I can?
V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace, Let the design of your great love lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows. Give peace to your Church, peace among nations, peace in our dwellings, and peace in our hearts, through your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen + Show Notes Topics Discussed: Summary of the seven Catholic social justice principles Justice as a biblical concept Justice in society Overview: Minutes 00:12:00 - Recap of series, CSJ principles 1-5 Minutes 12:01-24:00 - CSJ priciples 6-7, justice and righteousness in the Bible Minutes 24:01-36:00 - Human justice and God's justice Minutes 36:01-48:00 - Some Church Fathers and Doctors on justice, justice as redemption and forgiveness Additional Resources: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching Book, Amazon: Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and USCCB Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Facebook Discussion Community We're talking over on the Bible Study Evangelista Facebook Discussion page. Come chat with us. Read the Transcript Download a complete, word-for-word transcript of this show, here.
One of the most unique and attractive beacons in the Catholic Church is her well-defined, carefully articulated, deeply-held, and concisely packaged body of social teachings, a body of doctrine with which, the bishops say, "far too many Catholics are not familiar." In fact, they add, "many Catholics do not adequately understand that the social teaching of the Church is an essential part of Catholic faith." Our times have made us hungry for guidance on how to live social justice with catholicity. We acknowledge that every baptized Catholic must live his or her faith in truth and justice. If you don’t get anything else out of all God is allowing in our world right now, get this week’s overview of the Seven Principles of Catholic Social Justice, and hear the Holy Spirit guide you in your next steps.
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja's method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L - Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O - Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) As you listened to the show, which Catholic social justice principle has been part of your life recently, through your relationships or circumstances? Which principle was most attractive to you? Which provoked negative thoughts or emotions, and why? Which principle was least attractive? Are you active in any of the principles already? Were you stirred by one in particular? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Lord, I am overwhelmed by the scale of injustice in the world and your call to fight against it. Teach me what that means for me. My heart is open to the love that will starve soulless practices and nourish a spirit of mercy, truth, justice, and compassion in the world. While we work toward your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven, give us the fortitude to start and the wisdom to listen so we will know where and how to begin answering your call to justice. Amen + Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
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Like all the sacraments, holy anointing was instituted by Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. “This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord” (CCC 1511; Mark 6:13; Jas. 5:14-15). The anointing of the sick conveys several graces and imparts gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement, and temptation, and conveys peace and fortitude (CCC 1520). These graces flow from the atoning death of Jesus Christ, for “this was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases’” (Matt. 8:17).
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja's method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Has this series on sacraments as covenants and their roots in the Bible made you more likely than before to receive one or more sacraments? What was the most significant thing you learned throughout the series? What do you want to say to the Lord about that? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
“We beseech you, Savior of all men, you that have all virtue and power, Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we pray that you send down from heaven the healing power of the only-begotten [Son] upon this oil, so that for those who are anointed . . . it may be effected for the casting out of every disease and every bodily infirmity . . . for good grace and remission of sins.” Amen + (The Sacramentary of Serapion 29:1; 350 AD). Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
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The Bible begins and ends with marriage. "Scripture speaks throughout of marriage and its 'mystery,' its institution and the meaning God has given it, its origin and its end, its various realizations throughout the history of salvation, the difficulties arising from sin, and its renewal 'in the Lord' in the New Covenant of Christ and the Church. 'From a valid marriage arises a bond between the spouses which by its very nature is perpetual and exclusive; furthermore, in a Christian marriage the spouses are strengthened and, as it were, consecrated for the duties and the dignity of their state by a special sacrament'" (CCC 1602, 1638).
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja's method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) What did you learn or remember about marriage through this show? What did the Holy Spirit bring to the surface for you? What does He want you to do now? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) If you are married, what is one affirming statement you can make to your spouse this week? What is one affirming action you can take in obedience to the readings today? Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
We thank you, O God, for the Love You have implanted in our hearts. May it always inspire us to be kind in our words, considerate of feeling, and concerned for each other's needs and wishes. Help us to be understanding and forgiving of human weaknesses and failings. Increase our faith and trust in You and may Your Prudence guide our life and love. Bless our Marriage O God, with Peace and Happiness, and make our love fruitful for Your glory and our Joy both here and in eternity. Amen + Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here.
Institutional priesthood was God's idea! In the Old Testament, God commanded that "the priest's office shall be theirs by perpetual statue" (Ex 29:9). "Perpetual" does not mean "until Jesus comes," but forever. Obviously, God desires there be an institutional priesthood, now, in His New Testament church. Jesus, our true and eternal High Priest, ordained the twelve apostles as bishops. With apostolic authority, they, in turn, ordained others as deacons, priests, and bishops, maintaining the Old Testament hierarchical structure and establishing the apostolic authority that continues today in Catholic and Orthodox Churches. For this reason, the "office" of apostolic priesthood was filled by Matthias when vacated by Judas (Acts 1:20). This was done before the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit fell on all the apostles, including Matthias, demonstrating that God approved of and accepted Matthias, and ordination as the apostles' process of passing on their authority. Priests continue to be ordained through the Sacrament of Holy Orders throughout the New Testament to today. Jesus is the High Priest at the center of the pastors of church history pictured in Revelation 1. Jesus teaches, "watches" over, and guides His Church through salvation history through the priesthood He established and chooses.
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja's method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) What is your most comforting memory or recollection of the priests you've known? What is your worst? Perhaps you'd like to contact your favorite priest and let him know how much you appreciate and love him, and why. Maybe you could offer him a spiritual bouquet, or join a prayer group dedicated to praying for priests. V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Good or bad, what do you want to tell the Lord about the priests you've known, or the priest you have? Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Gracious and loving God, we thank your for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your people. Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom. Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel. Allow them to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to become instruments of your divine grace. We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest. Amen + Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
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"...[T]he apostles, in fulfillment of Christ's will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism. For this reason in the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning Baptism and the laying on of hands is listed among the first elements of Christian instruction. The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church. "Very early, the better to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, an anointing with perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands. This anointing highlights the name 'Christian,' which means 'anointed' and derives from that of Christ himself whom God 'anointed with the Holy Spirit.' This rite of anointing has continued ever since, in both East and West. For this reason the Eastern Churches call this sacrament Chrismation, anointing with chrism, or myron which means "chrism." In the West, the term Confirmation suggests that this sacrament both confirms Baptism and strengthens baptismal grace" (CCC 1288-1289).
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja's method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Part of the grace of confirmation is the grace to overcome our human pettiness, our cowardice in the face of human opinion, our fearfulness of sacrifice, and the ability to give an authentic witness to Christ through an apostolate (ministry). In which of these areas are you strong? In which are you weak and in need of strength? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) What does the Lord want you to do now? What do you want to say to Him? Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
God of Grace, I informally reconfirm my faith today as a small token of my love for You, for You are holy. I will serve you faithfully, and I reject anything that I hold in my heart above You. I will serve You and follow You, Lord, wholeheartedly, for the rest of my days (Joshua 23:11,14). Amen + Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, courtesy of Dora Donovan and Karen Cross who do our transcripts for you.
Where is confession to a priest in the Bible? Everywhere! Throughout the Old Testament and into the New, God demonstrated His desire that we come to him when we fall into sin. Jesus gave the apostles power and authority over unclean spirits, to forgive sins, to heal, and to raise people from the dead, all of which testify to the power and authority in them through Christ. They, in turn, passed that power and authority to those whom they ordained. This power does not come from them, but from God. Confession restores the soul.
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja's method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Did the Holy Spirit convict you of sin through this show? Do you cherish sin in your thoughts, actions, or habits? What does He want you to do now? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Perhaps you'd like to make a firm purpose of amendment to sin no more. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
O Lord, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I fear the loss of heaven and the pangs of hell, but most of all, because You are all good and worthy of my love. I resolve, therefore, with the help of Your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.+ Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, courtesy of Dora Donovan and Karen Cross who do our transcripts for you. Photo Credit Michelangelo's Creation of Man
Part of the beauty of the sacraments is that God cares for and provides for us through them from birth to the last breath. Throughout the series, we are discussing the sacraments in that order: Baptism for new birth, Eucharistic nourishment, Reconciliation as medicine, Confirmation to sustain one's holy witness, Marriage and Holy Orders for life-giving vocation, and Anointing for healing and the final journey home. There are seven sacraments, for complete preservation and salvation throughout human life. Glorious!
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja's method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Have the quarantine and withheld public Masses changed the way you view the privilege of receiving the Eucharist? What are your thoughts on God removing His presence from His people throughout salvation history in times when they had abandoned Him? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Perhaps you'd like to tell Jesus how much you miss Him in the Eucharist. Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Grant us, we pray, Almighty God, restoration of your Eucharist to us, your people, and that the true divinity of your Only Begotten Son, which we firmly profess with all the Saints, may, through the Sacrament of the Eucharist, ever give us life and protection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.+ Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, courtesy of Dora Donovan and Karen Cross who do our transcripts for you. Photo Credit Image by fancycrave1 from Pixabay
The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, shown above. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. . . . Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God.
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja's method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Do you remember your baptism? What were your thoughts and feelings the last time you witnessed a baptism? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Perhaps you'd like to renew your baptismal promises. This can also be a family service, directed by a parent. The family members renew their baptismal vows aloud and sprinkle themselves with holy water. V. Do you reject Satan? R. I do. V. And all his works? R. I do. V. And all his empty promises? R. I do. V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth? R. I do. V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? R. I do. V. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? R. I do. V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever. R. Amen. _____ Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, source of light and truth, we appeal to your sacred and boundless compassion on behalf of we, your servants. Be pleased to enlighten us by the light of your eternal wisdom. Cleanse, sanctify, and endow us with true knowledge. For thus will we be made ready for the grace of eternal life and ever remain steadfast, never losing hope, never faltering in duty, never straying from sacred truth; through Christ our Lord. Amen.+ Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, courtesy of Karen Cross who did this transcript for you.
Are "sacraments" biblical? Sacrament comes from the Latin for "oath" or "swear," and oath-taking is as old as Creation, as old as the Old Testament, as old as Christianity. God Himself swears an oath to you in every sacrament, and you swear one to Him every time you receive one. Jesus instituted seven Christian sacraments, or covenants, for His one; holy; catholic (meaning universal); and apostolic church. The sacraments are "the masterworks of God" (CCC 1116), that administer and affect saving grace in the soul. Together, they equip us for a complete self-donation to God that draws us deeper and deeper into the mystery of God's Trinitarian life for all eternity.
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on her method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Can you trace the progression of your spiritual life through your reception of the sacraments? Does knowing the sacraments are a participation in a solemn swear and covenant with God, a self-donating gift to Him of your whole life, make a difference in how you will receive them going forward? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Lord Jesus, we thank you that you gave us everything you had to give on the cross, and that you continue to make that self-donation present to us in the sacraments of the Church. Help us to never again take them for granted. We thank you that the quarantine has made us more mindful of the gifts and mysteries in our sacraments, and may we receive them enthusiastically and joyfully for the rest of our days. Amen.+ Bible Study Evangelista is on the Laudate app!
Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, courtesy of Dora Donovan who does our transcripts for you.
You didn't get an email last week because I was on vacation with my family, which was something of a surprise, as we expected to only be gone the 4th of July weekend. Instead we enjoyed the whole week together. This week I am interrupting our usual programming for a little treat: a show Marcus Grodi and I did last week on memorable scripture verses. Take a listen. We will resume the I AM statements next Monday.
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Every FIAT temperament gets the same Observe step this week: Maybe you do not have an anger issue, but what is your issue? What is your emotional vomit? Have you had a recent pop quiz? The S-T-O-P acronym works for all sin. Where is God speaking to you about your out-of-control behavior? How is your behavior related to your wounds? What about the desires of your heart? What has God said to you about that today? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Jesus, I trust in You! + Amen. *LOVE the Word® exercises are offered according to FIAT: the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, and Thomistic: FIAT! These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, when it becomes available, courtesy of Dora Donovan who does our transcripts for you.
Moses dares to ask God - the Creator of all that is - His Name, and God condescends with the most beautiful tenderness to accommodate his servant's sincere request. What might He grant me of His secret treasures if I only ask with love?
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
Please do not attempt these exercises until you've heard the show. They won't make sense if you do otherwise. O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.) F | Franciscan - What's your favorite charity work? Your preference does not matter, because your very next neighbor is God reminding you that he or she is your real charity: that every single person and circumstance is somehow willed and loved by Him and is worthy of your love and service. I | Ignatian - You're used to feeling and imaging with your senses. So every single thing you encounter in this very moment, feel and sense it all - focus on the next five minutes- and then remember it ALL exists because God wills it/him/her/. A | Augustinian - Everything you experience in every moment is allowed to exist because God wills it. Minus the sin in every encounter, how do you see Him differently?
T | Thomistic - Read the full teaching from the Church. V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Praise and eternal glory to God the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Paraclete through all ages. + Amen. *LOVE the Word® exercises are offered according to FIAT: the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, and Thomistic: FIAT! These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, courtesy of Dora Donovan who does our transcripts for you.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (Isaiah 6:8).
_ Please forgive the weird sound issue; it is resolved halfway through the second segment. _ This is the last show of the series. I will be taking a few week's break for Holy Week and to prepare for the next series. Blessed Triduum to you.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Denise; Jennifer; and Mary. Thank you for loving and lifting me! Bible Study Evangelista is now available on the Laudate app!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.) F | Franciscan - To whom can you go this week to share Jesus and your faith? I | Ignatian - See yourself in Isaiah's narrative, above. God is calling you to mission by virtue of your baptism. What does He want you to do? A | Augustinian - Imagine the Lord sitting knee-to-knee across from you, looking at you intently, saying to you the words from Isaiah 6:8, above. T | Thomistic - What do your new knowledge of the prophets throughout this series tell you about the corruption in the Church? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O - Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me so, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. + Amen. . *LOVE the Word® exercises are offered according to FIAT: the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, and Thomistic: FIAT! These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Series Preview I. The Summons - History A. Isaiah’s call B. History of the Book of Isaiah C. History of God’s people’s corruption D. Corruption causes disunity II. The Separating – First Isaiah A. Public scandal and corruption B. Idolatry C. Corruption causes public disunity D. Assyria and Samaria E. Samaritans and Protestants F. Protestants and Catholics G. The “unclean” (Is 35:8) H. Judas III. The Sifting – Second Isaiah A. Private scandal and corruption B. Hypocrisy C. Corruption causes private disunity D. Babylon and Judah/Jerusalem E. Two types of Catholic F. The “fool” (Is 35:8) G. David H. Peter 1 IV. The Straightening – Third Isaiah 1 A. Survival B. Sorrow C. Solution D. Salvage E. Strengthen F. Safety (Is 35:9) V. The Sending – Third Isaiah 2 A. Salvation (Is 35:9) B. Celebration (Is 35:10) C. Stages Pray for Us The pilgrimage is sold out. Plan to go next year!
Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, courtesy of Dora Donovan who does our transcripts for you.
“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed, her iniquity has been pardoned; for she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins. "A voice of one calling: 'Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain.…'" (Isaiah 40:1-4).
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.) F | Franciscan - On your next drive, pay attention to the terrain and how the road is built. What can you discern about what Isaiah 40:1-4, above, means? What is God saying to you about what the Lenten "desert" is meant to accomplish? I | Ignatian - I find it interesting that Isaiah 40:1-4, above, speaks about the highway being in the desert, or the wilderness. What is your current desert? Using all your senses, try to imagine a highway through this desert. What is the scenery around you? Where does the highway lead? A | Augustinian - Imagine the Lord sitting knee-to-knee across from you, looking at you intently, saying to you the words from Isaiah 40:1-4, above. T | Thomistic -Research road construction here. What does the process tell you about the meaning of Isaiah 40:1-4, above? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O - Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me so, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. + Amen. . *LOVE the Word® exercises are offered according to FIAT: the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, and Thomistic: FIAT! These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Series Preview I. The Summons - History A. Isaiah’s call B. History of the Book of Isaiah C. History of God’s people’s corruption D. Corruption causes disunity II. The Separating – First Isaiah A. Public scandal and corruption B. Idolatry C. Corruption causes public disunity D. Assyria and Samaria E. Samaritans and Protestants F. Protestants and Catholics G. The “unclean” (Is 35:8) H. Judas III. The Sifting – Second Isaiah A. Private scandal and corruption B. Hypocrisy C. Corruption causes private disunity D. Babylon and Judah/Jerusalem E. Two types of Catholic F. The “fool” (Is 35:8) G. David H. Peter 1 IV. The Straightening – Third Isaiah 1 A. Survival B. Sorrow C. Solution D. Salvage E. Strengthen F. Safety (Is 35:9) V. The Sending – Third Isaiah 2 A. Salvation (Is 35:9) B. Celebration (Is 35:10) C. Stages Pray for Us The pilgrimage is sold out. Plan to go next year!
Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, courtesy of Dora Donovan who does our transcripts for you.
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). Have you been sifted? Are you being sifted? Every Christian is sifted. But when we have turned back, we must strengthen our brothers and sisters.
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Corey P; Gloria D; Sarah D; Shyanne P; Katharine G; Dennis A; Linda S; and Robert J. Thank you for loving and lifting me! Bible Study Evangelista is now available on the Laudate app!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.) F | Franciscan - In Jesus' exhortation to Peter, above, you are likely most drawn to this part: "when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Where have you been sifted by God? How can you strengthen your brother or sister? I | Ignatian - Threshing is the process of loosening the edible part of grain from the husks and straw to which it is attached. It is the step in grain preparation after reaping and before winnowing, which separates the grain from the chaff. With all your senses, imagine yourself as Peter in this passage. “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). How do you think this "sifting" feels? What happens? Have you experienced it, yourself? A | Augustinian - Where have you been guilty of anger toward public sin and corruption in the Church, without the same anger and sadness toward your own private sin? T | Thomistic - “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). Look at the winnowing, or sifting, process here. In researching the process, what do you learn about what Jesus was saying to Peter in this passage? What was Satan asking to do, and what did Satan actually do with Peter? How is this sifting process part of each Christian's life? Does this knowledge make you more or less inclined to mercy toward others whose sin you see plainly? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O - Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me so, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. + Amen. . *LOVE the Word® exercises are offered according to FIAT: the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, and Thomistic: FIAT! These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Series Preview I. The Summons - History A. Isaiah’s call B. History of the Book of Isaiah C. History of God’s people’s corruption D. Corruption causes disunity II. The Separating – First Isaiah A. Public scandal and corruption B. Idolatry C. Corruption causes public disunity D. Assyria and Samaria E. Samaritans and Protestants F. Protestants and Catholics G. The “unclean” (Is 35:8) H. Judas III. The Sifting – Second Isaiah A. Private scandal and corruption B. Hypocrisy C. Corruption causes private disunity D. Babylon and Judah/Jerusalem E.
"And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not pass over it..." (Is. 35:8). unclean טָמֵא ṭâmê' taw-may' A primitive root; to be foul in a religious sense, especially ceremonial or moral (contaminated): - defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, utterly.
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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.) F | Franciscan - Franciscans sometimes have a hard time believing anyone or anything is corrupt or "unclean." Pray a decade of the Jesus Prayer for the healing of corruption in the Church: "Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner." I | Ignatian - Take a look at the definition for "unclean," above. What do you think it means to be "ceremonially unclean" or "defiled" in our day and time? Do you think such a thing is possible? Using all your senses, imagine you are on the Highway of Holiness, where "the unclean" are not allowed. What happens? Ignatians sometimes have a hard time practicing charity toward those who are "unclean" or "defiled." Make a goal of praying regularly for the healing of corruption in the hierarchy of the Church. A | Augustinian - How is God calling you to deeper faith by asking you to trust Him through the leadership of the Church? What was one thing God said to you through this show? T | Thomistic - Take a look at the definition for "unclean," (at the top of the page, above). How do you think the definition applies today? What are your thoughts about that? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O - Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me so, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. + Amen. . *LOVE the Word® exercises are offered according to FIAT: the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, and Thomistic: FIAT! These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Series Preview I. The Summons - History A. Isaiah’s call B. History of the Book of Isaiah C. History of God’s people’s corruption D. Corruption causes disunity II. The Separating – First Isaiah A. Public scandal and corruption B. Idolatry C. Corruption causes public disunity D. Assyria and Samaria E. Samaritans and Protestants F. Protestants and Catholics G. The “unclean” (Is 35:8) H. Judas III. The Sifting – Second Isaiah A. Private scandal and corruption B. Hypocrisy C. Corruption causes private disunity D. Babylon and Judah/Jerusalem E. Two types of Catholic F. The “fool” (Is 35:8) G. David H. Peter 1 IV. The Straightening – Third Isaiah 1 A. Survival B. Sorrow C. Solution D. Salvage E. Strengthen F. Safety (Is 35:9) V. The Sending – Third Isaiah 2 A. Salvation (Is 35:9) B. Celebration (Is 35:10) C. Stages Pray for Us The pilgrimage is sold out. Plan to go next year!
Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete,
"Man is an abyss; what will rise out of these depths, no one can see in advance. And whoever believes that the Church is not only determined by the abyss that is man, but reaches down into the greater, infinite abyss that is God, will be the first to hesitate with his predictions, for this naïve desire to know for sure could only be the announcement of his own historical ineptitude" (St. Augustine).
Thank you to my newest Friends of the Show, Dennis C; Connie L; Steven M; Martha H; and Mark C. Thank you for loving and lifting me! Bible Study Evangelista is now available on the Laudate app!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.) F | Franciscan - Make a Holy Hour of Adoration and pray for your pastor and bishop, and all pastors and bishops. I | Ignatian - Using all your senses, imagine you are a modern-day Isaiah, called to preach repentance and judgment to the people of God. How does God want you to go about sharing His message? How do you feel about having volunteered? Do you think the people will listen to you? What is the message in your heart, and how do you communicate it to others? Are you fire-and-brimstone or gentle? Impatient or quiet? Do you preach to the leaders or the laity? A | Augustinian - How is God calling you to deeper holiness? What specific action can you take this week, small or large, to move in the direction of deeper holiness? T | Thomistic - How does knowing the historical background of the Book of Isaiah and the Israelites help you understand our own time in Church history? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O - Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me so, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. + Amen. . *LOVE the Word® exercises are offered according to FIAT: the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, and Thomistic: FIAT! These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Series Preview I. The Summons - History A. Isaiah’s call B. History of the Book of Isaiah C. History of God’s people’s corruption D. Corruption causes disunity II. The Separating – First Isaiah A. Public scandal and corruption B. Protestants and Catholics G. The “unclean” (Is 35:8) H. Judas III. The Sifting – Second Isaiah A. Private scandal and corruption B. Hypocrisy C. Corruption causes private disunity D. Babylon and Judah/Jerusalem E. Two types of Catholic F. The “fool” (Is 35:8) G. David H. Peter 1 IV. The Straightening – Third Isaiah 1 A. Survival B. Sorrow C. Solution D. Salvage E. Strengthen F. Safety (Is 35:9) V. The Sending – Third Isaiah 2 A. Salvation (Is 35:9) B. Celebration (Is 35:10) C. Stages Pray for Us The pilgrimage is sold out. Plan to go next year!
Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, courtesy of Dora Donovan who does our transcripts for you.
What if, when the disciples said to Him, "Teach us to pray," Jesus knew they were looking for something "special,"some new prayer that was particular to Him and His followers? What if He surprised them by telling them to simply continue praying the prayer they had been praying all their lives?
Thank you to my Friends of the Show for loving and lifting me!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.) F | Franciscan - Pray an Our Father, facing East, with feet planted firmly together! I | Ignatian - Using all your senses, imagine you are in the group when Jesus "teaches" the disciples the Our Father, either at the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5 & 6), while Jesus is alone praying "in a certain place." What do you see? Hear? Smell? Feel? What do you all talk about afterward? A | Augustinian - Take turns emphasizing the words of the Our Father in turn, until you have done them all, like this: "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name." "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name." "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name." "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name." "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name." "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name." What new insights do you gain by using this approach? T | Thomistic - Choose one of the words in the Our Father prayer to research in a concordance. What do you learn? V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O - Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen + . *LOVE the Word® exercises are offered according to FIAT: the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, and Thomistic: FIAT! These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Come with Us
Share the LOVE Share the LOVE on the Facebook community. Tell me your #LOVEtheWordtakeaway for this week's show. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, courtesy of Dora Donovan who does our transcripts for you.
As we begin our series, we discover the author of Job seems to be attempting to explain to his audience how the Babylonian catastrophe could happen to “good” people too, why faithful Hebrews can suffer with the bad, how the innocent get caught up in the painful judgments of the wicked.
I certainly had no idea that any of our current events would occur when I chose this new study series, but I think the state of our Church is exactly why the Holy Spirit guided us to this biblical contemplation of suffering. Perhaps He is guiding us away from a focus on our Church’s catastrophe, to that of our individual faith and purity, and back again to a collective view. How faithful are we, as the American Catholic Church? How and why am I suffering, myself? How alive is my personal faith, really? When was my faith pur-er and real-er?
Job is a pointed finger into the awfullest parts of our lives. I think we are going to find a great deal of hope in this series for these worrisome times.
Thank you, Lori S and Elizabeth P, my newest Friends of the Show, for loving and lifting me!
LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin.
L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.)
F | Franciscan - If, for some reason, like Pope Francis, you feel inclined to remain silent in the face of someone else's suffering, I pray you resist that temptation. As you listened to this week's show about the development of suffering as a theology, whose suffering came to mind? What action did you feel inspired to take to help ease that suffering? Take the time, now or sometime this week, to do what was in your heart.
I | Ignatian - Imagine you are the author of Job, hoping to comfort your people after a national religious catastrophe. Try to see your parish church raided and destroyed by people with total contempt for your faith. Imagine the tabernacle, altar, statues - everything - desecrated. Using all your senses in turn - sight, sound, touch, taste, smell - how do you feel? What might you say in an effort to comfort others and help them through the tragedy you are all experiencing?
A | Augustinian - The Catholic Church is experiencing an upheaval similar to what the author of Job experienced and attempted to address. It has been said that if the priest is a saint, his people will be holy; if the priest is holy, his people will be good; if he is good, his people will be lukewarm; if he is lukewarm, his people will be bad; if the priest is bad, his people will go to hell. How does this "wisdom maxim" apply to your own family?
How can you get back to a pur-er faith with God? What small, additional action can you take to cover your priest in prayer?
T | Thomistic - Define the biblical wisdom genre in your own words. How does this genre uniquely address the deepest human experiences, such as suffering? What can you do to support your parish priest?
V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)
Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O - Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.
E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Thank you Lord Jesus for giving us your word to help us through this valley of tears, when the foundations of our faith are shaken by our own unfaithfulness and the unfaithfulness of others. Amen + .
*LOVE the Word® exercises are offered according to FIAT: the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, and Thomistic: FIAT! These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Episode Resources
This morning's email did not include the audio, so I am re-emailing - I am sorry! I wanted to catch you up on my news in preparation for the new series. Today, we talk about my trips to Israel and Poland, E-Sword Bible software, a car accident, and websites.
Our Job series starts next week! Forward this email to your friends who are suffering.
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This Week's Show
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Holy Land Pilgrimage
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Show series are public for a limited time. Archived shows are premium content, and available to all Friends of the Show as part of their membership package. Read the Transcript You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, when it becomes available, courtesy of Kristie Hynniman who does our transcriptions for you.
The fire that fell from God’s presence onto the Old Testament altar is the same fire spoken of in the NT as the fire of purgatory which purifies, or sanctifies, us now on earth or after death (in the absence of mortal sin). Popes Gregory and Benedict XVI, along with such mystic Saints as Catherine of Genoa, Faustina, and John Paul II, have said the all-consuming fire of God’s presence, the fire of purgatory, and the fire of hell are the same fire: Trials on earth are bitter fire for the sinner, even as they purify the person of God. Life’s “fiery trials,” then, are the all-consuming, jealous fire of God probing and purifying us deliberately, deeply, and intimately, just as the altar fire once did in the OT sacrifices. If we offer them to God willingly in Communion with Jesus’ Cross, they contribute to our salvation to the degree that we can be wholly holy at death. When our trials are viewed this way, they become our sacred offerings of love, offered in participation in Jesus’ Cross. They “save” us.
Welcome Alison W, Julie H, and Rachel M, Bible Study Evangelista's newest friends of the show! Thank you for loving and lifting me :)
LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.) F | Franciscan - Cradle a crucifix in your hand; touch His five wounds; pray a thanksgiving prayer on each one. I | Ignatian - Imagine you are offering an animal sacrifice at the tabernacle. What can you see around you as you lead your goat to the priest at the altar? As you lay your hand on its head and confess your sins over it, what else can you hear? What do you smell? How do you feel just before you cut its throat with your knife and bleed its blood into the pan? What are your thoughts as the priest pours the blood out around the base of the altar? A | Augustinian - How does this week's show make you understand and appreciate the Eucharist more? How is Jesus' gift of His Body and Blood meant to help you be more broken and spilled out for others? T | Thomistic - Make a list of anything new you learned about Old Testament sacrifices, and see if you can connect them to Jesus' sacrifice. V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O - Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word journal. Or get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin. E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit, and there shall be a new creation, and you will renew the face of the earth. Amen +
. *LOVE the Word™ exercises are offered according to FIAT: the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, and Thomistic: FIAT! These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Notes and References
“For our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29).
Fire in the OT:
Genesis 15:1-17 God calls Moses from the burning bush Exodus 3:1-8 God leads from the pillar of cloud and fire Exodus 12:8-10 God descends on Mt. Sinai in a fire Exodus 13:17-21 God and Abraham make a covenant Exodus 19:18-19 the Passover lamb must be roasted and eaten
Leviticus 9:22-24, And fire came forth from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat upon the altar. Leviticus 6:9-13 it is stressed three times that the altar fire, once lit, must burn continuously, because every sacrifice offered in the tabernacle from this time forward was to be incinerated in the fire that originated from God’s presence. In early Judaism,
God revealed Himself in a particular time, to a particular race of people, at a particular geographical location. Just like He did in the times and people of the scriptures, God wants to speak to us through our own time, work, relationships, and geographical location. But to understand His ways with us, we must understand His ways with them. For that, we must know something of the when and where and through whom it all happened. We must be able to visualize the places, because the people and time and land constitute the arena in which God chose to uniquely speak, act, and intervene.
Welcome Joanna, Elizabeth, and Mark, Bible Study Evangelista's newest friends of the show! Thank you for loving and lifting me :)
LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin.
L - Listen (Receive the Word.)
O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.)
F | Franciscan - Make a virtual pilgrimage to a holy site in Palestine. Why do you think it's important for people to make such pilgrimages?
I | Ignatian - Take a look at the view of the Promised Land that Moses and the people would have seen. Imagine what you smell and hear. If you have been to the Holy Land (I am there right now!) take a few moments to remember all you experienced.
A | Augustinian - What is the Promised Land in your life that God wants to lead you to? How far have you come? How far is there left to go?
T | Thomistic - Memorize the four geographical regions of the Holy Land.
V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)
Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O - Observe step.
E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Holy Spirit, Thank you for the reminder that places are important. Help me make my home and heart a sacred space where you feel welcome. + Amen.
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*LOVE the Word™ exercises are offered according to FIAT: the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, and Thomistic: FIAT! These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Notes and References Ignite, Chapter 3, The Where of the Bible
Get a printable pdf of the maps, below, here.
“If the firstfruit [of Judaism] is holy, then the lump [of Christianity] is holy; and if the root is holy then so are the branches” (Rom 11:16). We Christians are “grafted in” to the olive tree of faith (vs 17).
“God created the world like an embryo. Just as the embryo begins at the navel and continues to grow from that point, so too the world. The Holy One, blessed be he, began the world from its navel. From there it was stretched hither and yon. Where is its navel? Jerusalem. And its (Jerusalem’s) navel itself? The altar.” (“Navel In Popular Culture”. 2016. Wikipedia. Accessed July 6 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navel_in_popular_culture#cite_ref-136.)
The Philistines are first mentioned in the Bible as descendants of Noah (Gen 10:14).
The Promised Land was “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex 3:8) and “the most glorious of all lands” (Ez 20:6,15). A single cluster of grapes so heavy that it had to be carried by two men (Num 13:23-24).
A popular expression denoting the land from north to south was “from Dan to Beersheba” (Judg20:1, 1 Sam 3:20, 1 Kin 4:25).
The “rose of Sharon” (Is 35:2).
The temple was built, destroyed, and rebuilt on the temple mount in Jerusalem on the very site on Mt. Moriah where Abraham almost sacrificed his son Isaac (Gen 22:2 & 2 Chron 3:1).
Jewish tradition (Zech 14:4) that when the Messiah comes, the resurrection of the dead will begin there. And so it did: The Mount of Olives is where Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:11-12).
It is thought that the stench, desolation,