In this episode we discuss Pope Benedict XVI's 2017 address to artists from the Sistine Chapel. We chat about the power of beauty to draw us in, pierce our hearts with longing, and lead us to the Beautiful One, the Creator God Himself. We discuss the importance of pausing to consider our reaction to beauty and how surrendering our fear of being wounded can lead us to the intimate encounter with God we all long for. We pray this week you would meet God in the ache uncovered by beauty!

 

Michelle's one thing - Through the Heart of St. Joseph - Father Boniface Hicks 

Michelles other one thing - My Backyard Lights

Sister Miriam's one thing - Jane Austen Coloring Book 

Heather's one thing - My "Fruit Salad" Tree! - 5 fruits on one tree...amazing.

 

Other Links mentioned in this episode:

Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI I at the Meeting with Artists, Sistine Chapel, November 21, 2009

 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. How have you experienced beauty in your everyday life recently and how did it impact you?
3. What does it mean for our lives to be works of art - for us to live well, pray well, play well, etc?
4. Do we allow ourselves to be unsettled by beauty and experience the ache and longing for God that is provoked by the beautiful?

Journal Questions:

1. What does your life look like as a masterpiece created by the Creator? Where are the areas that needs to be chiseled out and formed? 
2. Where are the areas that we keep on taking the hammer out of his hand? 
3. How has beauty pierced your heart recently? What keeps you from allowing this to happen often?

 

Quote to Ponder: "Beauty gives us wings, lifting us up so that we may soar to the transcendent and rise to greatness." - Pope Benedict XVI 

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina: "One thing I have asked of the Lord; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and seek Him in His temple." - Psalm 27:4 

 

This episode is sponsored by Chews Life.

At Chews Life, it is their mission to equip all Catholics with Rosaries for life. Chews Life believes that even the youngest Catholic can develop a devotion to the Rosary and come to know our Mother Mary. Their silicone Rosaries make this possible. Children discover through their senses, especially touch. Just as a baby knowingly caresses their mother's face, so too their little hands will come to know the Rosary and cherish it.  

 

Chews Life also makes Rosaries for adults! However, Chews Life's Rosaries are designed in such a way that no one can make the excuse that they don't have time to pray the Rosary. Chews Life's Rosaries are actually Rosary bracelets so that they are with you all day and easily accessible. These Rosary bracelets also feature a "bookmark" crucifix charm so that if you don't have time to get through a whole Rosary at once, you can use this charm to hold your place until you can continue your prayer.

These and so much more are available at www.chewslife.com! Use code ABIDE10 to receive 10% off your purchase (not valid with other discounts).