S19 E6 - Sacred Elements: Oil
About This Episode
In this episode, we continue our series on sacred elements as we explore the significance of oil as a symbol of intimacy with God, anointing, and preparation for the Bridegroom. Mary broke open her costly perfume and poured it all out at Jesus’ feet, holding nothing back. We talk about the beauty of that kind of love, the posture of gazing up into the face of the One who loves us, and why a heart given entirely to Him is never wasted. We also share how to keep our lamps filled as we wait for the Bridegroom and why no one can lend us the oil that comes from our own time with Him. The same Spirit who anointed us at our baptism longs to fill us again with the oil of His love, so that our lamps are burning bright when the Bridegroom comes.
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Show Notes
One Thing We Love This Week:
Sister Miriam’s one thing - The New Translation from the Liturgy of the Hours (Find Ascension’s Version Here) (Find Word on Fire’s Version Here)
Sister Miriam’s Other One Thing - The Spirit of the Liturgy of the Hours by Fr. Boniface Hicks
Michelle’s one thing - Italian Gnocchi Soup and the Auburn vs Georgia game
Heather’s one thing - Make Me A Bethany by Jesus Image
Discussion Questions:
What are you attached to other than God that pulls you away from a deeper relationship with Him?
How might God be inviting you to break from routine and love Him more generously?
When have you seen an outpouring of intimacy with the Lord draw others (or yourself) closer to Jesus?
What is bearing fruit in your life and in the lives of those around you?
What are you filling your life with while you wait when it feels like Jesus is delayed?
Journal Questions:
Where is the Lord drawing me into deeper intimacy?
How can I love God more extravagantly?
What parts of yourself are you holding back from the Lord?
How can I make space in my life to fall more in love with God?
What places of my heart are dry and in need of encounter?
Quote to Ponder:
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Scripture for Lectio Divina:
“Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.””
This episode is sponsored by:
Aging with Dignity
Aging with Dignity is a national non-profit organization founded 30 years ago by Jim Towey, who was legal counsel and friend to Saint Teresa of Calcutta for 12 years until her death.
The mission of Aging with Dignity is to defend the rights of all people as they approach the end of life. Mother Teresa urged Jim in a letter, “bring God’s love and compassion to the elderly poor.”
Aging with Dignity is best known for its advance directive, Five Wishes. Five Wishes helps families start and guide advance care planning conversations and then document their wishes. Five Wishes also deals with heart-and-soul issues, like comfort, forgiveness, maintaining dignity and ensuring that your loved ones know what is most important to you. It is available in 33 languages and Braille.
Aging with Dignity recently launched a new resource called, Finishing Life Faithfully, A Guide for Catholics on End-of-Life Care. Finishing Life Faithfully is a companion guide for Five Wishes that offers clear guidance on how to follow the moral teachings of the Catholic Church when making important healthcare decisions. Like Five Wishes, it’s written in everyday language that’s easy to understand. The guide has been endorsed by Cardinals O’Malley and Dolan as well as numerous Bishops and church leaders.
During the Holiday Season, they have a featured product called, “The Gathering Kit.” It has multiple Five Wishes and their Five Wishes Conversation Guide to help you start the sometimes difficult, but important conversation about end-of- life care with the ones you love. Not only will your family know your wishes, but they can take this important step themselves.
For Abiding Together podcast listeners, they’re making a special offer. Twenty percent off on any Five Wishes resource. Order at fivewishes.org and use the code “abiding20” at check out to get 20 percent off. That’s fivewishes.org and use the code “abiding20” at check out for 20 percent off all Five Wishes resources.