S14 E3 - Living in the Tension: Solitude and Community

Abiding Together

In this week's episode, we discuss the relationship between solitude and community and how no matter if we are introverted or extroverted, we need both in order to live rightly ordered lives. We reflect on how solitude and community has changed throughout the different seasons of our lives and the importance of being open to these changes so we can receive the blessings God desires to give us. When we let our cups be filled by God through authentic solitude, we are able to grow, and therefore build deeper and more intimate relationships within our community.

Heather’s One Thing - The book Humans of Heaven from the January Jane Shop

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The book Hinds' Feet on High Places: An Engaging Visual Journey (Visual Journey Series) by Hannah Hurnard

Michelle’s One Thing - Spending time with Sister Miriam at the O’Grady’s Beach House

Journal Questions:

• What obstacles do you encounter to being in communion with Christ when you enter into silence?
• How am I tempted to perceive solitude as isolation?
• How am I tempted to perceive being with people as community?
• When I think about solitude and community and which one I currently need more of, how can I create space in my life to tend to that need?
• What needs do I need to voice to someone in my life?

Discussion Questions:

• Which comes more naturally to you: solitude or community?
• Throughout your life, which communities have brought you closer to Christ and allowed you to become more fully human?
• In your current season of life, have you sensed a stronger need for solitude or community?
• What daily, weekly, or monthly rhythms do you have to cultivate community and solitude?

Quotes to Ponder:

“Let him who cannot be alone beware of community... Let him who is not in community beware of being alone... Each by itself has profound perils and pitfalls. One who wants fellowship without solitude plunges into the void of words and feelings, and the one who seeks solitude without fellowship perishes in the abyss of vanity, self-infatuation and despair.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community)

“True silence is a garden enclosed, where alone the soul can meet its God.” (Catherine Doherty)

Scripture for Lectio:

“And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.” (Matthew 14:23 )

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