In this week's episode, we continue our three part series on Pope Francis’ recent encyclical Dilexit Nos. We reflect on our ache to be loved, how Jesus heals in close proximity to us, and the “science of the caress”. We also talk about how Jesus is a man who comes and finds us wherever we are and longs to open up a new place for us in relationship with Him. Will we allow our hearts to beat again with love?

Heather’s One Thing - Thai Peanut Chicken Stir Fry 

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Abuses in the Religious Life and the Path to Healing by Dom Dysmas de Lassus

Michelle’s One Thing(s) - Fr. Mark Mary’s podcast: Rosary in a Year and Vanilla Caramel Nut Butter

 

Other Resources Mentioned: 

“Dilexit Nos”: A brief guide for busy readers and Dilexit Nos audio version

 

Journal Questions:

• Do I perceive Jesus’ presence in my life as being up close to me, or at a distance?
• How have I encountered Jesus as the Lover?
• How do I project my scars onto Jesus?
• Who in my community or in the Church is hardest for me to love right now? How can I love them better?
• Where do I have a belief that Jesus is indifferent to me?

 

Discussion Questions:

• How have you experienced the ache to be cherished?
• How can you bring communion where there is polarity and discord?
• What happens in you when you consider the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
• When have you blindly trusted in Jesus and His Love and Providence for you? How did He prove Himself trustworthy?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

“The heart of Christ, as the symbol of the deepest and most personal source of his love for us, is the very core of the initial preaching of the Gospel. It stands at the origin of our faith, as the wellspring that refreshes and enlivens our Christian beliefs.” (Pope Francis, “Dilexit Nos”, Paragraph 32)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Take heart, daughter!” (Matthew 9:22)

 

Sponsor - Florecita Design:

Florecita Design wants to help you build your domestic church. The Florecita Design Activity Bundle is a set of 12-15 printable activities for young children, delivered each month and based on the Catholic liturgical calendar.

Every month, Florecita Design will help you incorporate math, science, and pre-literacy skills with your little kids all within the context of the Catholic Church. This Activity Bundle is a digital subscription created by a speech-language pathologist to provide parents with the tools and language to incorporate the faith easily into every day play for their 2 to 7 year-olds. All parents have to do is print the activities and follow along the instructional booklet for enriching, screen free ways to entertain their kids.

Florecita Design just released the Advent and Christmas Activity Bundle, which is a holiday special with TWENTY activities, including puzzles, an Advent prayer banner, St. Nicholas activities, and so much more. To learn more, visit florecitadesign.com. 

You can use the code ABIDE10 for 10% off your first three months of the Activity Bundle! You can also follow along on Instagram @florecitadesign for speech-language tips, sales and liturgical living ideas for little kids. Let’s teach our kids the Catholic faith in ways that are simple, tangible and beautiful!

 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Florecita Design

01:19 - Intro

02:12 - Welcome

02:43 - Actions Reflect Our Heart

04:09 - The Science of Caress

05:37 - The Humanity of Christ

08:26 - Aching to Be Loved

10:11 - The Holy Spirit and Community

14:03 - The Human Heart

17:08 - Vulnerability and Secure Love

20:00 - Our Image of God

23:08 - One Things