S09 E07: An Invitation to God’s Mercy Part 2: An Interview with Fr. Josh Johnson

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Fr. Josh Johnson on the Sacrament of Confession and God’s enduring delight in His children. We discuss how to uncover what might be at the root of our sin and what longings or desires we may be seeking to fulfill when we are in these situations. We finish with a healing prayer led by Fr. Josh and an encouragement to encounter Jesus in confession for greater freedom and healing this Lent! You can find the Pocket Guide to Reconciliation at AscensionPress.com or Amazon. 

Fr. Josh Johnson’s one thing -  You are Welcome in This Place - Maverick City Music 

Fr. Josh Johnsons’s other one thing - Through and Through - Will Reagan

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The gift of the priesthood

Heather’s one thing - The Metanoia Series - Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR and 4pm media

Michelle’s one thing - “O Ineffable Love, although in your light you saw all the evils that your creature would commit against your infinite goodness, you acted as if you did not see; rather, you kept your eye on the beauty of your creature with whom you fell in love, as if you were crazy and drunk with love, and through love you drew her out of yourself and gave her being.” - St. Catherine of Sienna 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What, if anything, has kept you from the sacrament of confession? 
3. Take some time to reflect and share about what precedes your temptations to sin. What can you do as a group to encourage one another to come back into the gaze of the Father in moments of temptation? 
4. What are your plans for fasting, almsgiving, and prayer during Lent? 

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect on your own patterns of sin. Are there any particular situations, emotions, or interactions that often precede the sin in your life? 
2. What is the deeper longing you are looking to fulfill when you sin?
3. Take some time to present this unmet desire, unhealed wound, or unconfessed sin to the Lord and allow him to speak truth into this place. 

Quote to Ponder:  Even if you were to commit all the sins in the world, Jesus would repeat to you: “Many of your sins are forgiven because you have loved much.” -Padre Pio

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” - Psalm 51:6 - 7 

Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast will be reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. If you don’t have your book yet - you can buy it via Amazon in a paperback or kindle version. 

This episode is sponsored by Ascension Press.

New from Ascension, "The Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation" is a beautiful, prayerful book by Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson. This small but powerful guide is the perfect size to slip into your pocket or purse, and will give you reflections, guidance, and an examination of conscience that you can bring with you to prepare for your sacramental encounter with God's mercy and forgiveness. Whether you have been away from Confession for a long time or you are looking for a fresh way to enliven your regular routine, The Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation will help you encounter God's merciful love and forgiveness in new and beautiful ways. Get your copy at www.AscensionPress.com/Reconciliation. The book is available for pre-order and is expected to start shipping February 19 and listeners will receive 15% off with code abide15.