S11 E08 - Lent Part 2: Freedom of Heart

In this episode, we continue in our Lenten series as we journey through Sister Miriam’s book Restore. It’s not too late to join us! You can find your copy today at Ave Maria Press. This week we discuss the power of fasting and sacrifices to bring healing within ourselves and deeper communion with Jesus. We chat about how fasting can bring forth repentance and right ordered love when we remember we are saying no, so that we can say a greater yes to Jesus, our lover. We pray that your fasting would bring about healing and restoration this Lent!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - French Onion Soup 

Heather’s one thing - I Shall Not Want - The Worship Initiative

Michelle’s one thing -  Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy with Jesus - Heather Khym

Michelle’s other one thing - Sunday Bead Co. 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. Can you recognize any disordered desires or loves in your day to day life that become more right-ordered through fasting? Is there something you could never imagine giving up for the Lord?
3. When it comes to fasting during Lent - do you see God as a slave driver with high expectations, hoops to jump though, and demands upon you or as a lover worthy of your sacrifices? 
4. How can this small group help one another in the area of fasting through accountability? 

Journal Questions:

1. What do you hunger and thirst for? Do you allow the Lord to satisfy your desires? How do you dull your desires, choosing comfort or convenience first?
2. What lies - “God won’t satisfy. God cannot provide the comfort I desire. I have to do it for myself because God won’t provide.” -  are you tempted to believe when you choose fasting?
3. Instead of allowing shame and condemnation about the things you crave, how can you feel your desires as a sign to come closer to Jesus? 

Quotes to Ponder: “Penitential fasting is obviously something very different from a therapeutic diet, but in its own way it can be considered therapy for the soul. In fact, practiced as a sign of conversion, it helps one in the interior effort of listening to God.” - St John Paul II

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “It is well that we are here.” Mark 9:5

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