S07 Episode 11: The Return of the Prodigal Son Book Study Part 6 - Epilogue: Living the Painting

Epilogue: Living the Painting

In this episode we finish up our 6 part series on the book The Return of the Prodigal Son and talk about “Living the Painting”. We talk about how much of our healing happens in the context of community and relationship. We also discuss the process of bringing home parts of ourselves that live far away from God. Each of us have places that need to be welcomed home and as we heal, we are able to offer a home coming to the lost places in others.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Unbreakable Heart by JJ Heller

Michelle’s one thing - Mother by JJ Heller, The Greenhouse Collective, and my really big keychain!

Heather’s one thing - You Alone by Lauren Daigle

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Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. With this episode, we’re wrapping up, but you can do this book study any time! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a journal and a mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created especially for this Lenten book study.

An online conference for all those who are anxious, afraid, bored, spiritually starving, or isolated. An opportunity to turn isolation into a fruitful retreat. Building deeper trust in God instead of a Netflix binge. A chance to grow spiritually this Lent, even for those without Mass. 

This is the Be Not Afraid Conference! Sister Miriam, Heather, and Michelle are three of the amazing speakers who are giving talks and reflections. Sign up today!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What places do you feel uncertain and need the reassurance of God the Father?
3. Can you relate to the experience of having parts of you that you don’t “welcome home”? How can you begin to care for those parts of you?
4. What is a “sophisticated defense” you may need to leave behind?
5. What titles are you called to live further into (sister, mother, wife, daughter etc)? What does growth in those areas look like?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this last time?
2. How vulnerable are you allowing yourself to be in relationships? Are you opening up to the point that the ugliness can come out, and you can begin to receive healing within the safety of a community?
3. Where are you unwelcoming to yourself? Ask Christ to reveal to you how He sees you. What does he say?
4. What younger part of yourself is lost and needs to be welcomed home?

Quote to Ponder - “Everything in me yearned to be received in the way the prodigal son was received. That encounter turned out to be the beginning of my own return.” - Henri Nouwen

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son