Show Notes
Overall Takeaways
Dr. Gerry: Letting go of control of others and of the outcome.
Dr. Peter: To really love someone, really listen to them first.
Key Verses from Sunday Mass Readings
"Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness:
for there is no gloom where but now there was distress.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light."
"For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed, as on the day of Midian."
"I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that all of you agree in what you say,
and that there be no divisions among you,
but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose."
"For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters,
by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you.
I mean that each of you is saying,
“I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,”
or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.”
Is Christ divided?"
Where Catholicism Meets Psychology
- God is calling us to all Him to "smash" those things that lead us to darkness. For many of us, that means letting go of those little things that lead us to daily frustrations, that take away our peace. Dr. Gerry shares his personal frustration with people who are late.
- Remember that there's always some good or reason that's behind those things people do and say that frustrate you. Dr. Peter explores that a frustration with being late may be protecting you from embarrassment. Appreciate the good and purpose, but then make choices that allow you to stay recollected and try not to take it personally.
- God's call to unity is relevant in our extremely polarized world and Church today. Each faction has a good motive. Listening to those who don't share your perspective doesn't mean you're giving up ideals or truths. Instead, it is a means to understanding and loving them.
- Dr. Gerry and Dr. Peter share several examples this week. One explores the idea of God as mother. An individual who wants to see God as mother may be trying to equate God with good, but perhaps had a horrible earthly father. Someone arguing by citing scriptural references to God as father will be missing the deeper issue. Listening and loving doesn't mean agreeing with the other's beliefs.
Action Plan for the Week
Dr. Peter: Ask an open-ended question; one that can't be answered with one word. For example, "What was that like for you?" It shows that you're opened to listening. You'll be surprised at what you hear.
Dr. Gerry: Choose one thing that's an emotional burden or something that's frustrating to you. It can be small like heavy traffic or being late. Choose to let it go, allow God to smash that burden, and accept the peace He's giving you instead.