In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 2: An Elevator for Small Children. We talk about the quiet places of discouragement, and self-reliance that keep us striving instead of surrendering. We also reflect about how radical dependence on God is not laziness, the subtle ways we resist being little before a loving Father, and how our poverty is a doorway into deeper trust. This week, we invite you to fall into the Father's arms, allow Him to pick you up, and rest in the One who delights in you.

Heather's One Thing - The Prince of Egypt Movie

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Bishop Erik Varden's Lenten Reflections to Pope Leo (I especially recommend the reflections entitled: Bernard the Idealist, God's Help, Becoming Free, and Splendour of Truth)

Michelle's One Thing - Art Lectio Instagram Account

Journal Questions:

Where are you feeling discouraged?
Where do I experience self-reliance, codependency, or hypervigilance in my life?
When in the past have I made agreements that I have to rely on myself and fix everything?
Where am I living out a pattern of childhood wounds and identities?

Discussion Questions:

How have you experienced failure this Lent?
When do I grasp, kick, and flail like a child in my spiritual life?
When did God last remind you that you are not God? How did your heart respond to it?
Where is God inviting you to embrace your littleness rather than run from it?

Quote to Ponder:

"Being little means not attributing to ourselves the virtues we practice, or believing ourselves capable of anything, but recognizing that God places this treasure in the hands of His little child so that she can use it when she needs it; but the treasure is still God's." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

Scripture for Lectio:

"All you who labor, who are bent under the weight of your burden, who find the demands of the Law too heavy, come to me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28)

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Timestamps:

00:00 The JPII Healing Center

01:31 Intro

02:18 Guiding Quote

04:39 Discouragement is the Downfall of Souls

08:27 Subtle Agreements We Make Throughout Our Days

10:50 Surrender is Not Laziness

13:26 Illumination is Spiritual Progress

15:55 Being Curious About Our Own Heart

18:34 Becoming Little is Maturation

20:47 Suffering in Communion with the Father

23:53 The Father Cannot Resist His Children's Trust

27:14 Am I Still Lovable if I am Little and have Needs?

29:44 One Things