In this week's episode, we begin a three part series on Pope Francis’ recent encyclical Dilexit Nos (on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ). We discuss how God, as the Divine initiator, loved us first and continuously calls us deeper into His most Sacred Heart. We also reflect on the meaning of our hearts, being captivated by Jesus’ love, and the beauty of allowing Him to set our hearts aflame.

Heather’s One Thing - Man and Woman and the Order of Creation Conference at Franciscan University (view the livestream here)

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Tomato Basil Soup

Michelle’s One Thing - The book Sons in the Son by Fr. Innocent Montgomery, CFR, and Fr. Angelus Montgomery, CFR ( Sign up here to get the consecration reflections)

Other Resources Mentioned: 

• “Dilexit Nos”: A brief guide for busy readers
• Dilexit Nos audio version

Journal Questions:

• Who am I, really? What am I looking for?
• What direction do I want to give to my life? Why and for what purpose am I in the world?
• How do I want to look back on my life once it ends? What meaning do I want to give to all my experiences?
• Who do I want to be for others?
• Who am I for God?

Discussion Questions:

• How do you belittle or dismiss the movements of your own heart?
• When do you feel distanced from your heart in this season?
• How can you minimize the distance you have from your heart this week?
• How do you self-protect instead of making a self-gift?
• What direction do you want to give to your life? Why and for what purpose are you in the world?

Quotes to Ponder:

“The heart is also the locus of sincerity, where deceit and disguise have no place. It usually indicates our true intentions, what we really think, believe and desire, the “secrets” that we tell no one: in a word, the naked truth about ourselves. It is the part of us that is neither appearance or illusion, but is instead authentic, real, entirely “who we are”.”  (Pope Francis, “Dilexit Nos”, Paragraph 5)

Scripture for Lectio: 

 “He loved us first.”  (1 John 4:19)

Sponsor - Reform Wellness:

Reform Wellness is a Christ-centered functional medicine and holistic wellness ministry. Reform redefines health as the state of your body and soul. Their mission is to empower the whole person to find well-being in Christ and become the best versions of themselves physically and spiritually. Reform works with private clients, corporate teams, religious communities, and educational institutions worldwide, both in-person and online. They offer valuable information, educational resources, and lifelong tools to improve your physical and spiritual well-being.

We invite you to learn more about Reform’s foundational course Reform Online which offers educational tools, best practices, and community through their nine wellness pillars centered in Christ. Reform is extending an exclusive discount for all our listeners on their upcoming Cohort: Reform Your Home and Family. We highly recommend this three-month foundational course; we’ve each taken Reform Online and still benefit from the fruits in our daily lives. Use code “Abide10'' for your exclusive discount through November 15. 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Reform Wellness

01:39 - Intro

02:31 - Announcement and Welcome

05:04 - About the Encyclical

06:53 - The Importance of the Heart

11:16 - The Heart as the Locus of Sincerity

14:54 - Our Heart is Meant for Love

18:46 - Being Captivated by Jesus’ Love

24:20 - The Sacred Heart Aflame with Love

25:51 - One Things