This week Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia reflect on the first prayer from the Prayers by the Lake by St. Nikolai of Ochrid.

References:
Prayers by the Lake
Prayer 1 - the one reflected on in today's episode

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This week Mother Natalia reflects on a talk she gave and a talk she heard at that same conference. She reflects on a passage from the Gospel of John, where Jesus talks about peace and forgiveness in seemingly rapid fire fashion. She then shares how interior peace and forgiveness help us rest in the Father.

References:
Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza

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This week we're joined by special guest, Mother Gabriella. Mother Natalia and Mother Gabriella reflect on the recent tonsure of Sister Marta and Sister Thekla.

References:
The Journey of Monastic Life

Episodes on Mother Natalia's Life Profession

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This week Mother Natalia takes inspiration from spiritual direction she's given and talks about the importance of silence and looking for God throughout the day. She gives practical examples of incorporating silence into the day, whether it's 5 minutes in the car or while you're working. She talks about looking for God in the things that bring you joy, like hikes, fall leaves, or bonfires.

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This week Fr. Michael talks about examples of barrenness in scripture and how the Lord fulfilled people's requests. He talks about wanting to get to the cross without suffering, but how it is through the suffering that we grow with Christ.

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This week we're joined by special guest, Fr. Nathanael. Fr. Nathanael and Mother Natalia share how they received their names, their love of scripture, and then talk briefly about the scripture passage in John where Jesus asks Peter "Do you love me?" Unfortunately Fr. Nathanael's audio and video cut out during this section, so we don't get to hear his thoughts on this passage. But, we've linked to his article in the show notes so you can learn more.

References:

Fr. Nathanael's Article

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This week Fr. Michael talks about how he thinks about putting together a homily. He uses a recent Sunday Gospel and Epistle to show how he thinks about homilies and how we can link passages to our daily lives. Fr. Michael talks about the importance of reading the readings ahead of Divine Liturgy, especially if you are cantoring them.

References:

The Hidden Power of Silence in the Mass: A Guide for Encountering Christ in the Liturgy

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This week Fr. Michael walks through the Thanksgiving Prayers the congregation is invited to pray after Divine Liturgy.

References:

The Divine Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great - Responses and Hymns - the prayers start on Page 95

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