S15 E13 - Encountering Emmanuel: Week Three

Abiding Together

In this week's episode, we continue with “Week Three” in our 4 part Advent study of Heather’s new book Encountering Emmanuel. We meditate on the vulnerability of Jesus as a baby and how He comes as one who is little so we can know that we are loved in our littleness. We also reflect on what it looks like to have hope, how to love with an open heart, and the deeper meaning of incense. Jesus’ heart is an open place of refuge where we find the comfort and relief we so desperately need this Advent season.

Heather’s One Things - The upcoming women’s conference at Franciscan June 6-8 (registration opens January 29, 2025) Sponsored by Abiding Together and Deacon Bob Rice’s new Scriptural Rosary Cards

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Restore the Glory Podcast episodes on redemptive suffering (Carrie Archual) (Part 1) (Part 2)

Michelle’s One Things - This mug from Deacon Bob Rice, Trader Joe's winter peonies, and The Portal of the Mystery of Hope by Charles Peguy

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Encountering Emmanuel Resources Resources
• The Hidden Meaning of Incense w/ Fr. Boniface Hicks

Journal Questions:

• What does abundant life look like in my life at this time?
• How can I lean into Hope today?
• When did I become so serious?
• How can I allow the Lord to transform my woundedness into a sweet fragrance for the Lord?

Discussion Questions:

• How do you conflate abundant life with perfection?
• Where are you holding onto hopelessness?
• How can you live more openly even in the midst of pain?
• How can you embrace more play in your life?

Quote to Ponder:

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken.” (C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves)

Scripture for Lectio:

“I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.” (Hosea 11:4)

Sponsor - Catholic Women & Couples NFP:

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Catholic Women and Couples NFP

01:30 - Intro

02:22 - Welcome

04:20 - Vulnerability and Hope

08:12 - Loving with an Open Heart

11:41 - Incense

16:06 - The Language of Play

22:22 - Thoughts for the Third Week of Advent

24:37 - One Things