Abiding Together

In this week’s episode, we continue our discussion on communion and focus on the practical aspects of living out in community. We reflect on the four main pillars of building a community: intentionality, vulnerability, proximity, and organically. We also talk about community as a journey and that we learn to love others by experiencing the love of God ourselves. This experience brings communion within us, which bears fruit, and then we are then able to give that love away to others. 

Heather’s One Thing – Friends of the Bridegroom

Sister Miriam’s One Thing – What Vegetable are You? Quiz

Michelle’s One Thing – Monk Manual

Announcement:

Check out our new Small Group Resource page!

Journal Questions:

• How can I express more mercy and curiosity within my community?
• Who in my local community can I extend an invitation to?
• Is there variety in my family’s community (vocations, ages, stages of life, etc)?
• For those not currently in an Abiding Together small group: Consider praying about starting an Abiding Together small group or study group. What fears or concerns do I have about starting a group?

Discussion Questions:

• When do you feel more tempted to speak out harshly instead of conversing gently with those you’re in conflict with?
• What repeating strains and roadblocks have you observed in your relationships over the years? What do you think God may be teaching you through those strains?
• Throughout the episode, we covered four different aspects of community (intentionality, vulnerability, proximity, and organic engagement). Which of these aspects is hardest for you within your relationships?
• How can you initiate moments of organic community in your current season? Set a goal for yourself this week and check back in with each next time you connect.

Quotes to Ponder:

“God is love and in himself he lives a mystery of personal loving communion. Creating the human race in his own image …. God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion.” (CCC 2331)

“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:43-47)

Sponsor – Nazareth Organics:

Nazareth Organics (@nazarethorganics) is a Catholic family-owned natural skincare company that handcrafts balms with high quality, wild-crafted, and organic ingredients from nature.

From facial moisturizers and serums to diaper creams and body butters, Nazareth Organics carries nourishing natural products for a wide array of skin conditions.

They use grass-fed tallow from a local Catholic farm as a base for many of their balms, because it is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that can increase collagen production, strengthen the skin, and calm inflammation.

The best thing about this business is that it’s dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth. From website to packaging, every sustainably sourced product points back to the faith and the ultimate source of creation. They also donate a portion of all proceeds to Catholic charitable organizations.

If you want to honor and care for your body using pure and natural ingredients straight from God’s hands, then check out Nazareth Organics. Find them at nazareth-organics.com and use code ABIDE10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook at: @nazarethorganics.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Nazareth Organics

01:31 – Intro

02:23 – Welcome and Recap

03:23 – Judgement vs Curiosity

06:36 – Bearing Fruit in Community 

08:43 – Jesus as a Model of Community

11:05 – Aspects of Community

18:28 – Good Community Takes Time to Build

19:17 – Abiding Together Small Group Resources

22:22 – One Things