Commons Church Podcast Commons Church

In our conversation, we explore the deep connection between joy and suffering, pondering biblical narratives set in valleys symbolizing the depths of despair and the peaks of hope. Hear about the transformation from pastoral work to personal wellness, and the embracing of healthier habits that bridge the physical with the spiritual. As we share these stories, we are reminded that true joy is not the denial of pain but the acknowledgment and transcendence of it, offering a path to a joy that persists day after day.


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Through the shadows of the Babylonian exile toward discovering unexpected moments of joy with the enigmatic prophet Ezekiel. We peel back the layers of history to understand how these dark times were pivotal for Jewish literature and self-reflection, fostering a rich soil from which the Hebrew scriptures grew. Listen in as we unravel Ezekiel's apocalyptic visions, and consider how catastrophic events can unexpectedly renew our sense of joy in body and soul.
In our conversation, we explore the deep connection between joy and suffering, pondering biblical narratives set in valleys symbolizing the depths of despair and the peaks of hope. Hear about the transformation from pastoral work to personal wellness, and the embracing of healthier habits that bridge the physical with the spiritual. As we share these stories, we are reminded that true joy is not the denial of pain but the acknowledgment and transcendence of it, offering a path to a joy that persists day after day.


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Join us as we embark on a five-week journey, unwrapping the layers of joy within the fabric of biblical history and our everyday lives. Listen in as we explore the difference between joy, pleasure, happiness, and fun, dissecting the nuanced ways we can train ourselves to spot and sustain a sense of joy that persists even beyond the highs of celebratory moments like Easter. Drawing from Michel de Montaigne's insights, we'll ponder the profound impact of joy that arises not from the exceptional, but the ordinary, inviting you to savor the simplicity that life offers.
In our series kickoff, we recount the story of Abraham, where a casual lunch on his porch becomes a divine encounter, reminding us that profound experiences often hide in plain sight. Reflect with us on the intimacy of this moment and the human elements that make such stories relatable. We discuss how Abraham's hospitality and Sarah's laughter exemplify faith and humanity's response to divine promises. Through these narratives, we aim to recognize the joy in the mundane and understand its significance in the grand tapestry of theological and personal narratives. Tune in to rediscover the joy in the everyday and learn to celebrate life in its entirety.


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Our journey through the Gospel of Mark continues as we unpack the profound narratives of Jesus feeding thousands and walking on water. These stories are not merely historical accounts but invitations to societal transformation and expanded generosity. We delve into the socio-economic messages within these miracles, pondering the notion of abundance and communal care. Furthermore, we consider the moments of divine presence in everyday life, discussing how ordinary acts of kindness hold as much significance as the miraculous. By the end of our time together, you may find yourself with a broader spiritual imagination, ready to recognize the divine in the most unexpected places and situations.


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Our journey through the Gospel of Mark continues as we unpack the profound narratives of Jesus feeding thousands and walking on water. These stories are not merely historical accounts but invitations to societal transformation and expanded generosity. We delve into the socio-economic messages within these miracles, pondering the notion of abundance and communal care. Furthermore, we consider the moments of divine presence in everyday life, discussing how ordinary acts of kindness hold as much significance as the miraculous. By the end of our time together, you may find yourself with a broader spiritual imagination, ready to recognize the divine in the most unexpected places and situations.


★ Support this podcast ★

Our journey through the Gospel of Mark continues as we unpack the profound narratives of Jesus feeding thousands and walking on water. These stories are not merely historical accounts but invitations to societal transformation and expanded generosity. We delve into the socio-economic messages within these miracles, pondering the notion of abundance and communal care. Furthermore, we consider the moments of divine presence in everyday life, discussing how ordinary acts of kindness hold as much significance as the miraculous. By the end of our time together, you may find yourself with a broader spiritual imagination, ready to recognize the divine in the most unexpected places and situations.


★ Support this podcast ★