S14 E4 - My Father’s Father with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR

In this week's episode, we welcome Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR as our guest to dive deep into what it means to be in relationship with God as Father. Together we chat about how our earthly fathers both positively and negatively impact our relationship with God the Father and how to begin to receive the love of God the Father. We also share how our relationship with God the Father has changed through the loss of earthly fathers. Check out Fr. Dave’s new (free!) video series entitled My father’s Father (or watch here on Wildgoose). 

Heather’s One Thing - Upcoming pilgrimages with Franciscan to France and Alaska 

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The the beauty of the Pensacola beach

Michelle’s One Thing - Watching NFL Playoffs with Sister Miriam 

Fr. Dave’s One Thing - The book A Little Liar by Mitch Albom 

 Other Resources Mentioned: 

• My father’s Father Trailer Link
• My father’s Father on Wildgoose
• My father’s Father on Faith and Reason
• S3 E18: The Holy Spirit with Fr. Dave Pivonka
• S5 E22: The Holy Spirit with Fr. Dave Pivonka
• The Father’s Love Spotify Playlist

Journal Questions:

• What does (or did) my father’s relationship with our Heavenly Father look like?
• In what ways can I grow in honoring and being honest about my father?
• Other than my earthly father, who in my life revealed the heart of our Heavenly Father to me?
• For those whose fathers have passed away: how has my relationship with God the Father changed since my father passed away?

Discussion Questions:

• How has your relationship with your earthly father shaped your relationship with your Heavenly Father?
• In your current state of life, when do you feel most connected to your identity as a child?
• What thoughts, emotions, and associations arise when you think of your primary identity as a child?
• How can you grow in and more deeply receive your daughterhood from the Father?

Quotes to Ponder:

“The whole of the Christian life is like a great pilgrimage to the house of the Father, whose unconditional love for every human creature, and in particular for the 'prodigal son,' we discover anew each day.” (JPII Tertio Millennio Adveniente)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)

Sponsor - Ascension:

With the Ascension App, you can easily find answers to the most challenging questions about church teaching and Scripture. Designed to help you understand the faith like never before, you’ll experience the peace that comes from deepening your prayer life and knowledge of God.

The Ascension App includes:

• Both of Fr. Mike's In a Year podcasts in one place
• Transcripts for every podcast episode
• The full texts of the Bible and Catechism
• Nearly 1,000 questions that Bible In a Year listeners have had over the years with their answers!
• Episode summaries, bonus content, and reflection questions
• Daily readings with video reflections from your favorite Catholic creators!

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected as you prepare for Lent, you’re not alone. The Ascension App will be a one-stop-shop for prayer this season, with Fr. Mark Toups’ Lenten Companion audio + video reflections guiding you day-by-day to an encounter with the person of Christ. Explore the Ascension App’s premium features with a free 7-day trial!