Abiding Together

• S16 E11 - Jesus and the Jubilee: Chapters Seven and Eight

  In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 7 & 8. We reflect on the many ways Jesus wants to make us whole, by exercising the evil out of our lives, forgiving our sins, and leading us to freedom. We also compare that to what the enemy is trying to do, make us feel alone, scatter the pieces of our heart, and bring us out of communion with each other and with God. Jesus wants to love us into healing and is waiting for our invitation. It is up to us to open the door and allow Jesus to enter ever deeper into our hearts.    Heather’s One Thing - Authentic Masculinity and Intimacy with Jesus - A Pints with Aquinas Episode w/ John Eldredge (YouTube) (Spotify) Heather’s Other One Thing - Songs in the Desert Spotify Playlist Sister Miriam’s One Thing - March Madness Michelle’s One Thing - She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood by Suzanne Bilodeau    Other Resources Mentioned:  Daily Examen The Song “When I Forget” by Amanda Cook   Announcement: It’s not too late to order your copy of “Jesus and the Jubilee” at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.    Journal Questions: Have I experienced the revelation of Christ’s identity as the Messiah in a personal way? What little parts of my heart has the Lord been restoring this Lent? How has God been personally restoring my relationship with Him, exorcising me from evil, and bringing me into relationship with my neighbor? Spend time in prayer and meditate on the image of a door with locks on it. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you: What is the name of this lock?   Discussion Questions: How has my heart been pierced by this intricate story of salvation? What are you feasting on in relation to your fasting this Lent? “We all need exorcism.” How do you see this truth in your own heart and life? Where can you invite the Holy Spirit into my heart for restoration?   Quote to Ponder: “Even though he is God in the flesh and could organize his ministry in any way, notice that Jesus chose: (1) relationship with God, (2) exorcism of evil, and (3) relationship with neighbor. Deliverance flows from God, not man.” (Jesus and the Jubilee, John Bergsma, Page 72-73)   Scripture for Lectio:  “Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt 18:18)   Sponsor - Heritage Retreat Center: Discover Heritage — A Sacred Destination for Renewal   Looking for a place to unplug, reconnect, and deepen your faith?   Heritage is a revitalized Catholic settlement, just two hours east of Atlanta, where faith, history, and natural beauty converge.   Set on 200 peaceful acres, Heritage offers: - Cozy cottages for restful overnight stays - A historic church rich in tradition - Religious art to inspire reflection - Prayer gardens for quiet contemplation - Meeting spaces for groups seeking connection - Delicious, all-inclusive meals to nourish both body and soul   Whether you’re coming for the day or staying overnight, Heritage provides a serene escape with plenty of outdoor space for exploring nature and embracing stillness.   One guest described her visit as: “Serene, beautiful, and oh so peaceful. This place truly fills your cup! I’ve visited twice now and can’t wait to go back.”   Come experience the peace for yourself!   ➡️ Learn more at HeritageGA.org or follow us on Instagram at @heritage.ga. Have questions? DM us anytime! ❤️   Timestamps:  00:00 - Heritage Retreat Center 01:23 - Intro 02:15 - Welcome 03:26 - Deliverance Comes from the Lord 04:59 - A World at War 07:19 - Back to Nazareth 08:48 - Bringing the Many Parts Together 10:15 - He is Who He Says He is 11:32 - A Continuous Liberation and Invitation 14:09 - The Arrows the Hit Our Soul 16:39 - We All Need Exorcism 19:28 - Feasting on the Holy Spirit 21:29 - The Power of Confession 25:36 - One Things

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• S16 E10 - Jesus and the Jubilee: Chapters Five and Six

  In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 5 & 6. We talk about the original roots of jubilee in the Old Testament, if the Israelites actually observed the jubilee, and how the Dead Sea Scrolls are relevant to jubilee. We also reflect on the importance of prophetic voices, the need to prepare for Sabbath, and why having an open heart allows the Lord to exceed our expectations.    Heather’s One Thing - Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls Video Series with Dr. John Bergsma and Fr. Dave Pivonka Sister Miriam’s One Thing - How Change Occurs Series Part 1 and Part 2 from Restore the Glory Podcast Michelle’s One Thing - The House of David (Trailer)   Announcement: It’s not too late to order your copy of “Jesus and the Jubilee” at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.    Journal Questions: What areas are the smallest and weakest in my life that God wants to magnify in the Jubilee? What are the laws and rituals of the Catholic Faith that I ignore or overlook? How did the Lord design you to rest? Where are the parts of my life where I say “this is as good as it’s gonna get?” When in my life has God exceeded my expectations?   Discussion Questions: How are you putting the Jubilee into practice? How can I prepare my heart and my life for deeper rest? When are you tempted to offer something up that the Lord didn’t ask you to offer up? Who are the prophetic voices of hope and repentance in your life?   Quote to Ponder: “Jeremiah decreed that the land would rest seventy years – one for each missed Sabbath year – before the Lord would fulfill his promises, provided Israel repented and had an obedient heart.” (Jesus and the Jubilee, John Bersgma, Page 57)   Scripture for Lectio: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me. Because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. To proclaim the year of God’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.” (Isaiah 61:1-2)   Sponsor - The Inspired Living: The Inspired Living is your one-stop shop for Easter basket items & Sacrament gifts this Spring! As an online shop sourcing Catholic home decor, books, and gifts, we believe that our spiritual lives begin at home, and should be a reflection of that which is eternally beautiful, God Himself. At The Inspired Living we have intentionally curated and sourced into one place the best Catholic products - whether that be decor for your home, gifts for sacraments, or books and sacramentals that will enhance your domestic church. We offer a unique array of handcrafted goods and exquisite gifts made by artisans not only in the United States, but around the world. Head to our website to find: Beautiful fine jewelry One-of-a-kind sacrament gifts Sacred art & crucifixes Faith-enriching toys  And so much more Use the code ABIDE20 for an exclusive 20% off discount at checkout!   Timestamps:  00:00 - The Inspired Living 01:00 - Intro 01:52 - Welcome 02:32 - Scripture Verse 03:08 - Our Roots in the Old Testament 05:20 - Did the Jews Practice the Jubilee Year? 06:42 - Times and Places of Grace 08:16 - You Prepare for Sabbath 10:03 - Come Back to Your First Love 12:42 - Settling for Bondage 13:32 - Prophetic Voices 16:14 - The Dead Sea Scrolls 18:45 - Letting Go of Our Expectations 22:17 - One Things

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• S16 E9 - Jesus and the Jubilee: Chapters Three and Four

  In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 3 & 4. We discuss the Ten Commandments, how they teach us to say yes to true freedom, and why our voluntary yes helps us live in deeper communion with God and those around us. We also reflect on finding Eden in our Churches or homes, discovering our golden calves, and the significance of doing our daily duty well.   Heather’s One Thing - Abundance of Grace Prints Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Vickie, Chris, and Fr. Patrick at Holy Trinity and St. Michael's Parishes in Kewaskum, WI (See the picture on our website here)  Michelle’s One Thing - The Richest Leprechaun in Ireland by Elise Daniel   Announcement: It’s not too late to order your copy of “Jesus and the Jubilee” at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.    Journal Questions: How is my experience of the Church being broken open and expanded throughout this study? Where have I been filling myself with things other than the Lord? Where have I been the unfaithful bride to the Lord? How do I rationalize your idols and areas of bondage in daily life? Do I allow myself to rest well and rest deeply?   Discussion Questions: How can we create a space in our home for people to rest? How have you experienced authentic freedom and sanctity in the “no’s” of Christianity and the Commandments? What external and internal structures in different areas of your life help to sustain your freedom? How are you tempted to replace the honest work of doing your daily duty well with other good things?   Quote to Ponder: “But they lacked the garden-sanctuary of Eden. The Israelites were going to need a place where God could walk and talk with his children. Also, they had a long journey ahead through the desert to the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey (an image of Eden), so their meeting-place with God had to be portable. Therefore, Moses went back up the mountain to get instructions for the tabernacle. The tabernacle would be a portable Eden, a place of communion and rest.” (Jesus and the Jubilee, John Bergsma, Page 38)   Scripture for Lectio: “Every fifty years, the Day of Atonement also marked the beginning of the jubilee year. God commanded Moses on the day of atonement you shall send abroad the trumpet throughout all your land. And you shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants; it shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his family.” (Leviticus 25: 9–10)   Sponsor - Camp Wojtyla: Are you looking for a transformative experience for your middle school or high school student? Camp Wojtyla helps young people fall more in love with Jesus Christ and His Church through epic adventures in the Colorado mountains, awesome community, and huge fun. Camp Wojtyla helps kids learn they are stronger than they thought, and that God is bigger than they could ever have imagined. Camp Wojtyla is nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado on a beautiful, 1200-acre wilderness property, and offers fourteen different single gender programs, giving campers a unique opportunity to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL! We have a God of adventure. He has a story and a plan for each of us. Camp Wojtyla teaches about God and the Catholic Church through authentic and life-changing adventures in creation. In a culture that inundates us with noise, unplugged time on the mountain helps us understand who God is and who He has made us to be. While at Camp Wojtyla,campers experience expertly designed and sequenced programming that helps them understand that they are called to sainthood…and how they can achieve it! Our carefully selected, and highly trained team of staff and counselors are joyful and faithful role models who can’t wait to help give your camper their best summer ever! Come check us out at www.camp-w.com. We can’t wait to offer you or your child a transformative adventure! Sign up for our newsletter Instagram Facebook Online Trading Post Store   Timestamps: 00:00 - Camp Wojtyla 01:32 - Intro 02:24 - Welcome 05:43 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote 07:11 - Finding Eden Today 10:18 - True Freedom 15:22 - Enslaved to the Little Things 17:28 - In Right Order 18:37 - Our Golden Caves 20:24 - The Bride that is Unfaithful 21:39 - What We Need for Freedom 23:34 - Doing Our Daily Duty Well 25:05 - Trusting in God’s Provision 28:19 - One Things

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• S16 E8 - Jesus and the Jubilee: Chapters One and Two

  In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 1 & 2. We reflect on how God originally designed us in the Garden of Eden, how the lies and idols we invite into our lives strip away this identity, and how the Jubilee is a time of restoration. We also dive deep into the biblical significance of the ten plagues, why tearing down our idols is a painful process, and the beauty of hoping for a good not yet seen.   Heather’s One Thing - The Festival of Praise at Franciscan University and the song Fall Like Rain Heather’s Other One Thing - Ascension’s Holy Bible – The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition Premium Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Those who live in Lafayette and attended an event at the University of Louisiana  Sister Miriam’s Other One Thing - Jean Valjean: Bought with a Price (a scene from the 1998 Les Miserables with Liam Neesen) Michelle’s One Thing - Her recent trip with family to the Dominican Republic   Jesus and the Jubilee Reading Schedule: March 10th: Chapters 1 & 2 March 17th: Chapters 3 & 4 March 24th: Chapters 5 & 6 March 31st: Chapters 7 & 8 April 7th: Chapter 9 & Conclusion April 14th: Epilogue and Preparing for the Triduum and Easter   Announcement: It’s not too late to order your copy of “Jesus and the Jubilee” at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.    Journal Questions: How can I embrace freedom, family, and fullness this Lent? What is the Lord inviting me to this Lent? What gift is He trying to give me? What does the Holy Spirit want to co-create with me this Lent? What idols do I sense the Lord destroying in my life?   Discussion Questions: How are you approaching a Jubilee Lent differently? What is taking up more room in your life than it needs to? How do you see Lent as a season of hardship versus a season of restoration? How can you press into prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to open yourself up to freedom this Lent?   Quotes to Ponder: “The Story of the biblical jubilee does not begin with Leviticus 25, the first chapter where the institution is mentioned. The jubilee is at its heart an act of restoration, which means it recreates and reestablishes a situation that existed beforehand. And what is that situation? It’s the Good Creation!” (Jesus and the Jubilee, John Bergsma, Page 9) Scripture for Lectio: “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31)   Sponsor - Into the Deep: A Lamp & a Light is a Scripture prayer journal for women that walks you through the movements of lectio divina with prompting questions.  The journal provides 40 pre-selected Bible passages for you that are ideal for imaginative prayer. Then, you’ll have 40 blank pages where you can choose your own passages. If you have wanted to pray with Sacred Scripture but aren’t sure how or if you feel like you need a guide, this Scripture journal can help you go deeper in your personal relationship with the Lord. If you are in need of hope, perseverance, direction, joy, or faith through God’s unfailing Word, A Lamp & a Light is for you. You can get one for yourself, your mom, sister, and friends for 10% off at intothedeep.co with code ABIDE10.   Timestamps:  00:00 - Into the Deep 01:34 - Intro 02:27  - Welcome 04:30 - Back to the Garden 08:38 - Our Need for Jubilee 10:22 - What is Taking Up Room in Our Hearts? 12:10 - Approaching Lent Differently 14:19 - Five Identities 16:10 - Restoring what was Lost 18:31 - A Glimpse into Full Restoration 20:41 - Self-Reliance vs Communion 22:38 - The Ten Plagues 24:26 - Spiritual Slavery 25:53 - God is Trying to Help You 27:30 - Continual Conversion 28:30 - Hope and Patience 31:35 - One Things

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• S16 E7 - Our Need for Jubilee with Dr. John Bergsma

  In this episode, we begin our Lenten book study “Jesus and the Jubilee” and welcome the author, Dr. John Bergsma, to the podcast! Dr. Bergsma shares his powerful conversion story during the Great Jubilee Year in 2000 and why he felt called to write a book about this Jubilee Year of Hope. We also reflect on this Jubilee year as a time of abundant grace, why Reconciliation is the Sacrament of Jubilee, and how we can engage the virtue of hope this Lenten season.    Heather’s One Thing - Fathering Sons by Dominic Polito  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Floriani (Chants of Deliverance CD) (Spotify) Michelle’s One Thing - Jesus and the Jubilee Dr. Bergsma’s One Thing - Dr. Scott Hahn’s meditations on “The Seven Last Words of Christ”. (Sign up to be sent a weekly video reflection during Lent)   Announcement: It’s not too late to order your copy of “Jesus and the Jubilee” at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.    Journal Questions: How does the Lord want to invite me more deeply into the Jubilee Year? What am I seeking freedom from this Lent? How can I approach Lent with a spirit of hope? What do I need to repent of this Lent?   Discussion Questions: What is your current understanding of the Jubilee? How have you experienced interior miracles from the Lord? What stuck out to you from Dr. Bergsma’s statement: “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a perpetual Jubilee”? What is a miracle you want to pray for this Lent?   Quote to Ponder: “I’m convinced in my heart that the proper response to the announcement of Jubilee 2025 should be joy, hope, and excitement. Lived well, this Jubilee Year can be a moment of miracle and grace for all of us, a kind of yearlong spiritual Christmas season in which we daily awake to open the gifts of grace that God our Father so lovingly gives us.” (Dr. John Bergsma) Scripture for Lectio: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.” (Isaiah 61:1-4)   Sponsor - CORDA: CORDA translates the stories of the saints into scents, and handcrafts those scents into gorgeous Catholic candles. Each candle scent is directly inspired by different saints and aspects of the faith, and is made with clean coconut wax and a beautiful, modern design. Be sure to sign up for the CORDA Fan Club, too: it’s free and an awesome way to earn points that you can redeem for free products, gift cards, and free shipping.  You can join the club and explore CORDA’s gorgeous Catholic candles (and 3,000+ reviews!) at cordacandles.com. And don’t forget to enter code ABIDE15 to save 15% on everything, now through May 31, 2025. Thank you for supporting this family owned, Catholic small business!   Timestamps:  00:00 - CORDA 01:34 - Intro 02:26 - Welcome 04:55 - Dr. Bergsma’s Conversion Story 12:58 - The Jubilee Year of Hope is a Time of Grace 16:07 - St. Pope John Paul II 17:35 - The Inspiration to Write Jesus and the Jubilee 21:29 - Why the Jubilee Year is a Personal Experience 28:16 - Reconciliation is the Sacrament of Jubilee  31:38 - Engaging the Virtue of Hope 37:38 - Hope in Prayer 40:12 - One Things 

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