S12 E16 - Remember Your First Love

In this episode, we discuss Pope Francis’ Easter Vigil homily about the hope that comes from remembering Jesus, our first love. We reflect on his meditations about how the women in scripture are grieved to find Jesus’ empty tomb, and like these women, we all too often become hopeless and see joy as belonging to the past. We discuss moments of personal encounter with the love of Jesus that has healed us and offer an invitation to a renewed hope in Jesus by remembering the great joy and power that comes through relationship with Him. Let us allow our ‘sealed tombs’ to be opened and restored by hope this Easter season. 

Heather’s One Thing - The young leaders at Franciscan University

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Savory ham and cheese scones 

Michelle’s One Thing - Let Beauty Speak: The Art of Being Human in a Culture of Noise by Jimmy Mitchell (or on Amazon here)

Michelle’s Other One Thing - The TOR Sisters - Sr. Rita Claire and Sr. Brigid as well as the CSU at Florida State University 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 

• Adam Young Podcast  - What to do with Your Sorrow and Grief p.1 
• The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis 

Discussion Questions:

• What does it mean to live in Resurrection power?
• How is God encountering you in your life today?
• In your life today and in the past, how have you experienced disappointment and grief?
• Where in your life do you long for deeper freedom and joy?
• When have you experienced the faithfulness and kingship of God?

Journal Questions:

• Where have I come into agreement with despair?
• What “tombs” in my life do I run to in the hopes of encountering Christ?
• In what ways do I ask God why I experience suffering instead of how He will bring about His Glory through it?
• Where am I still hiding from the Lord? What lies do I believe when I am hiding?

Quote to Ponder:

Yet today, brothers and sisters, the power of Easter summons you to roll away every stone of disappointment and mistrust. The Lord is an expert in rolling back the stones of sin and fear. He wants to illuminate your sacred memory, your most beautiful memory, and to make you relive your first encounter with him.  - Pope Francis, Easter Vigil Homily 

Scripture for Lectio: 

“I have found the one my soul loves.” (Song of Songs, 3:4)

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