In this week's episode, we continue in our 4 part Advent study of Heather’s new book Encountering Emmanuel and focus on “Week Two”. We ponder the reality that we are welcomed into Jesus’ family as heirs and children of God. We also discuss the restoration that takes place in family, relating to each other as spiritual family, and the ache we experience for union with God in Heaven.

Heather’s One Thing - The community at Franciscan

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Gingerbread and gingerbread cookie recipes

Michelle’s One Thing - The gift of community in North Carolina

Other Resources Mentioned:

Encountering Emmanuel Resources

Journal Questions:

• How do I “sanitize” the Gospel and oversimplify the transformation Christ came to bring us?
• In what parts of my heart am I not attached to the Lord?
• Do I believe the Lord delights in the poor parts of my heart? Or do I believe He merely tolerates them?
• How do I experience the Divine Ache in my life? Do I run from the ache or run towards the Lord when I experience it?

Discussion Questions:

• How have you experienced healing and restoration within your family?
• How have you experienced the Trinity as a family?
• How often do you consider the hope and reality of Heaven?
• Have you experienced the transformation from deep aches to lasting hope?

Quotes to Ponder:

“The Word became flesh to make us “partakers of the divine nature”: “For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God.” “For the Son of God became man so that we might become God.” “The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods.” (CCC 460)

Scripture for Lectio:

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:14-17)

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Timestamps:

00:00 - In.spired Living

01:08 - Intro

02:00 - Welcome, Scripture Verse, and Quote

04:58 - Familial Love of God

06:58 - Adoption and Belonging

10:47 - The Desire to Be Received

15:13 - A Way to Heaven

19:53 - The Ache Within Us

21:45 - Kindness vs. Comfort

24:59 - One Things