Father Gregory and Father Jacob-Bertrand discuss vocations, discernment, and dating at the University of Mary, emphasizing the importance of aligning choices with God's guidance. They explore the intertwined nature of intellect and love, navigating doubt on the spiritual journey, and living out the Gospel. The podcast also includes reflections on the essence of prayer and updates on upcoming events.
Intellectual and personal development are crucial at the university level, emphasizing growth in knowledge and capacity to love.
Prioritize foundational elements like prayer and study before entering into romantic relationships, aligning personal desires with God's will.
Recognize natural desires as avenues for grace through prayer and community engagement, navigating relationships with prudence and patience.
Deep dives
Formation of Intellect and Desire
The discussion delves into the importance of formative experiences at the university, emphasizing the significance of intellectual and personal development. It highlights the interconnectedness of intellect and desire, where growth in knowledge paves the way for a deeper understanding and capacity to love. By engaging in prayer, sacramental life, study, and service, individuals lay a foundation for discerning their vocations and making choices based on the pursuit of truth and growth in faith.
Choosing Relationships and Dating
The podcast explores the process of discerning relationships, particularly in the context of dating. It stresses the need to align personal desires with God's will and to prioritize foundational elements such as prayer, study, and service before entering into romantic relationships. Practical advice includes considering a 'dating fast' to allow time for self-improvement and spiritual growth, leading to more grounded and intentional relational decisions.
Balancing Instinctual Desires with Grace
An exploration of the instinctual human desires for sustenance and procreation is conducted within the framework of spiritual growth and grace. The podcast underscores the transformation of natural inclinations into avenues for grace through prayer, sacraments, and community engagement. By recognizing human weakness and embracing the process of spiritual maturation, individuals navigate the complexities of desire and relationships with prudence and patience.
Importance of Making Friends and Taking Time for Personal Growth
Taking the time in the beginning of college to make friends is highlighted as crucial, allowing for personal growth and exploration of different paths. The speaker reflects on a one-year dating fast taken during college, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and growth in relationships. The idea of bringing both abundance and need into a relationship is discussed, emphasizing the significance of genuine love and openness.
Challenges and Necessities in Relationships and Personal Development
The importance of addressing vices like envy and lust in relationships is stressed, highlighting how these can impact the quality of relationships. The speaker emphasizes the need for healing and growth to be able to love and give oneself fully in relationships. The role of incorporating theology into higher education is discussed, pointing out the significance of studying theology to deepen one's understanding of God's presence and operation in the world.
On this bonus episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Gregory visit the University of Mary in Bismark, ND and discuss vocations, the human formation, discernment and dating, as well as answer questions from the UMary students.
Not sure what to do with your life? Unsure of where God is calling you to be? Check out this episode, and allow Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Gregory guide you!
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