Summoned To Life: Spiritual Foundations
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Summary
In his goodness, God calls each human person into existence with infinite intention, care, and love. Explore what it means to be created by God, in his image and likeness.
Scripture for Reflection
“But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’” (Isaiah 42:1)
“For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are thy works!” (Psalm 139:13-14)
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
Reflection Questions
- Was there a word, phrase, or story that resonated with me?
- When was a time when I recognized my own dignity, my own goodness, my own belovedness? What does it mean to me that God desired me from all eternity to live in infinite communion with him?
- In reflecting on my own life and choices, where do I tend to find my self worth? Do I tend to identify myself with my career, with what I am able to do, etc.?
- Mother Agnes Mary, SV and Sister Bethany Madonna, SV talk about the reality of fear, darkness, and loneliness in our world. In what ways do I share in that reality? Are there places in my own heart that are touched by pain and anguish? Where do I need to let Jesus’ healing light in?
- Has there been a moment in my life when I was convicted about the dignity of the human person?
- How is God summoning me? How do I feel that the Lord is inviting me to see others? To uphold others? To build a culture of life? What is he saying to my heart?
- Is there a fruit from my prayer that I would like to share with others?
Discussion Questions
- Is there a fruit from your prayer that you would like to share with others?
- Is there something that surprised you or challenged you? Or is there something that was new to you?
- What struck you about the summons stories shared by Mother Agnes Mary and Sister Bethany Madonna?
- In the video, Sister Bethany Madonna says, “Pro-life isn’t about labels, it’s about people” and “abortion is more than a political issue or a legal term or a medical procedure. Abortion had a face and it was it was the face of my own friends and sisters in Christ.” How do Sister Bethany Madonna’s observations shed new light on what it means to be pro-life?
Videos
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1 - Active
Summoned To Life: Spiritual Foundations
In his goodness, God calls each human person into existence with infinite intention, care, and love. Explore what it means to be created by God, in his image and likeness.
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2
Seeing Reality: The Contemplative Outlook
God invites us to see ourselves, others, and the world differently. Learn what it means to cultivate a contemplative posture of heart that sees God present in all creation.
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3
This is God’s Work: The Power of Prayer
Proclaiming the sanctity of life is a work that belongs to all of us, but it is primarily God's work. Explore how prayer is the foundation and cornerstone of a culture of life.
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4
Vulnerability: An Identity Crisis
A woman who is unexpectedly pregnant may experience profound vulnerability. Ponder this reality and learn how genuine accompaniment can transform fear into hope.
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5
Hope and Fear: Understanding the Heart of a Pregnant Woman
A woman who knows she is loved can do anything. Learn more about the fears and hopes of a pregnant woman and how to genuinely accompany her.
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6
Exodus from Fear: Accompanying Her to Life
A woman struggling with the reality of her pregnancy needs someone who believes in her and in her goodness. Explore how genuine accompaniment creates the space a woman needs to make a truly free choice in love.
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7
Rejoicing in Her: Our Disposition of Heart
Do we see the person before us as a project or as a beloved daughter of God with her own dreams and her own destiny? Reflect on the three essential dispositions of the heart needed to accompany a person in crisis: prayer, leisure, and delight.
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8
Maternity is Forever: Hope and Healing After Abortion
Abortion can lead to a deep sense of loss and to profound emotional, spiritual, psychological, and relational pain. Explore how abortion affects the heart of a woman and how to accompany her on the journey of healing.
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9
Maternity is Forever: Adoption
Adoption can be a beautiful choice when it emerges organically in the heart of a woman. Learn more about adoption, and the tremendous discernment, maturity, and strength it requires.
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10
Listening a Person into Life: The Art of Being Present
Listening is a unique set of skills that demonstrate we understand a person’s thoughts and feelings. Reflect on the power of listening in the work of accompanying another person.
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11
Listening a Person into Life: How to Listen Well
Good listening allows us to hear what another person is really saying without applying the filter of our own experience, judgment, values, and needs. Explore the process of active listening, the five levels of listening, and common barriers to listening.
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Listening a Person into Life: Reflective Listening
In reflective listening we act as a mirror for the other person, helping her to uncover what is really in her heart. Explore the power of reflective listening in the process of accompaniment.