Season 2. Six Faith Dynamics
The SongWalk Echoes Podcast
Welcome
Season 2 of the SongWalk Echoes Podcast focuses on six faith dynamics in everyday life.
Join Don Prisby and Jeff Peterson in exploring:
- Vocation - How we are called.
- Conversion - How we respond to that call.
- Mission - How we are sent.
- Transformation - Why we are sent.
- Providence - How we are provided for on our mission.
- Gratitude - Our response of humble thanksgiving.
"Let's take a SongWalk!"
Episode One: Introduction
Abstract:
In Episode One, we set the stage for examining six dynamics experienced in everyday life. Throughout Season II, these movements will be examined with reference to secular art from American cinema, poetry, classical literature, healthcare, the military, and professional sports. In later seasons, we will see these same dynamics in the Catholic Mass, The Lord's Prayer, in the life of Peter, and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
SongWalk Elements:
Music - "Examen" by Don Prisby
Art - La Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola (pictured)
Scripture - Psalm 104:30
Story - Living by the Examen Prayer
Reflection Questions:
- The Examen Prayer invites us at regular intervals during the day to observe the patterns in our lives. What patterns of virtue are you aware of? What patterns of sin are evident?
- How do our relationships give us more breadth and depth?
- How do others enrich our lives?
- In what ways does my relationship with God give my life more dimension?
EchoPoint:
Let's take some prayer time each day to pause for 5, 10, or 15 minutes and observe the various patterns in our lives. Make small resolutions for improvement and review those prayerfully with the Holy Spirit.
Episode Two: Vocation
Abstract:
Episode Two examines the notion of calling. Of "vocation." We experience it in the Shema Prayer from the Jewish tradition. We see vocation's dynamics in a secular manner through the dimensions of Dorothy's journey in the "Wizard of Oz."
SongWalk Elements:
Music - "Shema" by Don Prisby
Art - "The Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. Film directed by Victor Fleming (pictured)
Scripture - Mk 12:29
Story - Torah Study
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways do you feel called through your work, hobbies, interests, and relationships?
- Ponder the source of that call.
- In the film, "The Wizard of Oz," we see a metaphor for vocation as Dorothy encounters good and evil and the virtues of intellect, love and courage. How do we experience these notions in our day-to-day lives?
- How do we respond to their invitations and challenges?
EchoPoint:
Let's take some time to ponder to what truths, values, and morals we are called in our normal, mundane and day-to-day activity. How do those transcendent values invite and challenge us?
Episode Three: Conversion
Abstract:
In this episode, we ponder our response to vocation. How are we called? And, how do we respond? Our conversion to vocation is not a simple and one-time act, but rather a life's worth of decisions that shape and form us.
SongWalk Elements:
Music - "As the Olive Tree" by Don Prisby
Art - "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost (picture reference)
Scripture - Ps 52
Story - Retreat in an Olive Orchard
Reflection Questions:
- Describe the experience or process by which you responded to vocation; to a career, relationship or role?
- Was it easy or difficult?
- Could you make an immediate response or did it take time?
- Whom did you consult in making the decision?
- What have been the short- and long-term impacts of that "yes" to calling?
EchoPoint:
Let's take some time in contemplation, in the quiet to reflect on that to which we are, or have been called.
Episode Four: Mission
Abstract:
Episode Four invites us to consider the unique mission to which each of us has been called. We are called. We respond. We are sent. Like the Sower and as Don Quixote, we are out in the world fulfilling our unique vocations.
SongWalk Elements:
Music - "The Sower's Song" by Don Prisby
Art - "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes (pictured)
Scripture - Luke 8: 4-15
Story - The Blessing Post
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways do we express enthusiasm in the work to which we've been called?
- Is your mission a single mission? Or, does it call you to multiple dimensions of service?
- How is your perceived mission tied to the unique gifts, interests, and talents that you have?
EchoPoint:
Let us dare to be enthusiastic, to let God fill us with the motivation and joy in what we do.
Episode Five: Transformation
Abstract:
We are sent on a mission to transform the world - and to be transformed. In Episode Five, the dynamics of transformation are explored.
SongWalk Elements:
Music - "As For My House" by Don Prisby
Art - "Thirteen Soldiers" by John McCain and Mark Salter (picture reference)
Scripture - Joshua 24:2-15
Story - Move to a new home
Reflection Questions:
- What are the blessings and challenges you have faced on your mission?
- How have these contributed to your growth and transformation?
- Is change welcomed by you or is it concerning?
- How has transformation been an on-going process for you?
- In what ways has your transformation impacted those around you?
EchoPoint:
Lets give ourselves the gift of time to reflect and revel in whom we are becoming, Let's also consider the courage it requires to say yes to growth.
Episode Six: Providence
Abstract:
What happens on our journeys when we run out of energy, courage, or assets while we are fulfilling our missions? In Episode Six, the concept of provision is illustrated.
SongWalk Elements:
Music - "Lilies of the Field" by Don Prisby
Art - "The Mayo Clinic" (pictured)
Scripture - Mt 26: 28-30
Story - Falling out of a Tree
Reflection Questions:
- Describe a time when you were in need and were provided for.
- How did you feel when that occurred?
- How are you a provider for others?
- What drives you to serve another person?
- What inspires you about others whom you've seen serving others?
EchoPoint:
Let's try on trust. In times of need, consider how we might trust on another's generosity.
Episode Seven: Gratitude
Abstract:
In this episode, we explore gratitude as a faith dynamic. We are called to be grateful rather than self-adulating upon experiencing success or challenge in our lives.
SongWalk Elements:
Music - "Canticle of Daniel" by Don Prisby
Art - The Boston Red Sox (Pictured)
Scripture - Daniel 3:57-88
Story - World Series Champions
Reflection Questions:
- Describe someone you know who exhibits a grateful disposition.
- Is gratitude easy or is it a challenge for you to express?
- How easy is it for us to be arrogant rather than grateful?
- What can we do to adopt or develop a spirit of graciousness?
- Describe a time when you experienced victory through tribulation. How did you give thanks through that?
EchoPoint:
Let's get ready for the times when we might experience success and be ready to be grateful rather than self-congratulating.
Episode Eight: Summary and Conclusion
Abstract:
We conclude Season II having explored six faith dynamics. We've reviewed these from a secular, day-to-day perspective seeing them expressed in cinema, poetry, and literature, in concepts of duty and healthcare as well as in professional sports. Get ready for Season III when we will unpack these same six dynamics present in the Catholic Mass.
SongWalk Elements:
Music - "Come Holy Spirit" by Don Prisby
Art - "Baptism of the Lord" (pictured)
Scripture - Mk 1: 9-11
Story - The Baptism of Jesus
Reflection Questions:
- How has this experience of examining the six dynamics been for you?
- Describe how you identify each of them active in your life?
- Which one is particularly challenging for you?
- How are you being invited to grow as result of Season II insights?
EchoPoint:
In preparation for Season III, take some time to reflect on why you go to Mass? What is it that draws you there? How do you prepare for the Mass? What is your disposition when leaving the Mass?
Move from your head to your heart!
Join us on an 8-week journey sharing movements from Pope Francis' latest Encyclical, "Dilexit Nos" (He Loved Us). Embrace how the heart calls us to love in this Jubilee Year of Hope and in every day of the year.