S12 E11 - Lent Book Study Part 4: Holy Orders and Marriage

In this episode, we continue with part four of our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We begin by discussing how Holy Orders heals the wound of confusion. Through the priesthood, God is giving us His Heart and confirms our identity as His beloved adopted children. We share ways different priests have impacted our lives both positively and negatively and chat about the importance of praying for priests. Next, we discuss how Marriage heals the wound of fear. This Sacrament is a beautiful window into the mystery of Trinitarian love. We touch on how Marriage can heal those in the single state as well as those in a difficult or broken marriage. Remember, God is the only One who can give us the perfect love we crave. We need to draw our strength from Him as we journey towards healing and transformation.

Hey friends! We know that Be Transformed is packed with incredible things, so we encourage you to not feel the need to rush. We want this to be a place where you can rest and be with the Holy Spirit. If you find yourself stuck on a chapter, we invite you to take the time you need and join us again when ready. May God bless you and bring you healing through His Sacraments!

Heather’s One Thing- Daily Mass

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships by Sarah and Andy Swafford

Michelle’s One Thing - Blessed is She Burn Retreat

Michelle’s Other One Thing - College roommates and friends

Michelle’s Other Other One Thing - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett’s podcast and book Daughter by Design

Discussion Questions:

• In what ways has God brought restoration in your relationship with Him as Father?
• How is God inviting you to draw nearer to the fathers in your life?
• In what ways are you withholding yourself from Christ (and your spouse)?
• What fears do you bring into your relationships?
• How can you open yourself to the beauty of the marriages around you?

Journal Questions:

• What is my story of fatherhood with my biological father? With my spiritual fathers? With our Heavenly Father?
• How am I presently choosing self-reliance as the result of a father wound?
• How have I experienced woundedness from my parents’ marriage? From my own marriage?
• How have I experienced healing from my parents' marriage, other marriages, or my own marriage?

Quotes to Ponder:

According to St. John Paul II, our rebellion against God’s fatherly authority has permeated all of history since the fall: “This is truly the key to interpreting reality. . . . Original sin, then, attempts to abolish fatherhood, destroying its rays . . . placing in doubt the truth about God, who is love.” - Be Transformed, pg 88

You may ask, as I have, what can heal us collectively and individually from this primordial wound of confusion and disorder? Since the wound is rooted in distorted perceptions of the Father’s authority and our rebellion against his authority, the antidote must be the opposite: restoring our understanding of his authority and humbly submitting to that authority in our lives.  - Be Transformed, pg 88

Scripture for Lectio: 

“What God has joined together, no human being must separate.” -  Matthew 19:6

Books & Resources Mentioned in this episode: 

• Intimate Allies by Dan Allender 
• Be Devoted by  Dr. Bob Schuchts 
• Unveiled Couples Retreat 

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