S13 E8 - “I Thirst” Part 1 - St. Teresa of Calcutta’s Varanasi Letter

Abiding Together

In this episode, we discuss the first half of the Varanasi Letter written by St. Teresa of Calcutta to her MC Community. We talk about how Jesus thirsts for our souls and what we can do to care for His Heart. We reflect on what it means to let Jesus gaze upon our souls and receive Him in the areas we have been wounded and experience pain. It can be challenging to allow Jesus to see these broken places in our lives, but through this communion and vulnerability, He can reveal the truth about our belovedness. Jesus is a real living person with whom we can build an intimate relationship and we end the episode by sharing ways we can grow closer to Our Lord.

Heather’s One Thing - Her playlist called Battle Cry (particularly the song Sound Mind)

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - On Love: Selected Writings of Pope Benedict XVI

Michelle’s One Thing - The Legatus Enclave Retreat and their visit to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion

Journal Questions:

• Am I more concerned with Jesus’ Hands than His Heart?
• Have I seen with the eyes of my soul how Jesus looks upon me with love?
• When have I heard the loving words Jesus speaks to me?
• Where do I fail to trust the Lord?

Discussion Questions:

• Have you allowed Jesus to look at you with love today?
• What does it mean for you to let Jesus see you in the painful and shameful places of your heart?
• What limitations do I experience that prevent me from entering into communion with God?
• Were you able to pray with a photo of you from childhood / from the past? How did you experience Jesus’ gaze in that prayer?

Quote to Ponder:

“I worry some of you still have not really met Jesus — one to one — you and Jesus alone. We may spend time in chapel —but have you seen with the eyes of your soul how He looks at you with love? Do you really know the living Jesus — not from books but from being with Him in your heart? Have you heard the loving words He speaks to you?” (Varanasi Letter, St. Teresa of Calcutta)

Scripture for Lectio:

“I thirst.” (John 19:28)

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