What do we do when we need hope but can't seem to find it?

In this episode of Providence Podcast, we reflect on Paul's words about “endurance in hope” and explore the surprising ways hope can grow through life's struggles. Through prayer, mindfulness, and the gift of community, we discover that hope isn't something we have to manufacture on our own.

Sometimes we find hope by staying present. Sometimes someone else helps us find our way back to it. And sometimes, we simply borrow hope from one another.

Join us for an honest reflection on Christian hope, perseverance, and trusting God's presence when life gets hard.

Come as you are. Let's keep faith real.

by Sister Leslie Keener, CDP

Find all of the Scripture readings from the lectionary here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Read the reflection and sign up to receive our weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GodSpaceCommunity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to the Providence Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠godspacecommunity.com/providencepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky is an international community of Catholic sisters with a mission to be witnesses of God's Providence. We place our trust in God as we care for God's people. Connect with the sisters at ⁠⁠⁠⁠CDPKentucky.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Music credits: Thanks to Pixabay and these artists for their royalty free music: intro and outro music Acoustic Inspire by The_Mountain, reflection questions music, Relaxing Meditation Music by SamuelFrancisJohnson

#ProvidencePodcast #GodSpace #AllAreChosen #Matthew22 #FaithForRealLife

What does it mean to be properly “dressed” for God’s banquet?

In this reflection on Matthew 22, Sr. Alice Gerdeman explores Jesus’ strange and challenging parable of the wedding banquet—and the surprising idea that the “wedding garment” might be something God gives us to wear.

Drawing on a powerful story about a man she visited shortly before his execution, Sr. Alice reflects on the many garments we may be invited to put on throughout our lives: compassion, mercy, reconciliation, justice, hope, and love.

And when Jesus says, “Many are called, but few are chosen,” Sr. Alice asks a different question: What if everyone is chosen?

God’s banquet is open to all. The garments of grace are waiting. We only have to raise our arms and let God put them on us.

What garment might God be inviting you to wear today?

by Sr. Alice Gerdeman, CDP

You can find all of the Scripture readings from the lectionary here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can read the reflection and sign up to receive our weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GodSpaceCommunity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to the Providence Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠godspacecommunity.com/providencepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky is an international community of Catholic sisters with a mission to be witnesses of God's Providence. We place our trust in God as we care for God's people. Connect with the sisters at ⁠⁠⁠⁠CDPKentucky.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Music credits: Thanks to Pixabay and these artists for their royalty free music: intro and outro music Acoustic Inspire by The_Mountain, reflection questions music, Relaxing Meditation Music by SamuelFrancisJohnson

#ProvidencePodcast #GodSpace #AllAreChosen #Matthew22 #FaithForRealLife

What if peace doesn’t come from thinking positive thoughts, but from surrendering all that’s within us to God?

Philippians 4 invites us to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and gracious. But when we’re anxious, angry, sad, or afraid, simply “thinking positive” can feel more like bypassing than healing. Our difficult emotions may be uncomfortable, but they can also tell us something important about what’s happening within us.

And then there’s Jesus’ wild story about the tenants in the vineyard. What do these tenants have in common with our anxious minds? Maybe it’s a desire to control—to hold tightly to something that was never ours to possess.

What if instead we brought our whole selves to God? Our needs and wants. Our fears and hopes. Our anxiety and gratitude. What if surrender, rather than positive thinking, is where we find peace?

A reflection on Philippians 4:6–9 and Matthew 21:33–43 from the Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky and God Space.

Come as you are. You belong here.

#ProvidencePodcast #GodSpace #Surrender #Philippians4 #ChristianSpirituality #CatholicSpirituality

by Sr. Leslie Keener, CDP

You can find all of the Scripture readings from the lectionary here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can read the reflection and sign up to receive our weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GodSpaceCommunity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to the Providence Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠godspacecommunity.com/providencepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky is an international community of Catholic sisters with a mission to be witnesses of God's Providence. We place our trust in God as we care for God's people. Connect with the sisters at ⁠⁠⁠⁠CDPKentucky.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Music credits: Thanks to Pixabay and these artists for their royalty free music: intro and outro music Acoustic Inspire by The_Mountain, reflection questions music, Relaxing Meditation Music by SamuelFrancisJohnson

Have you ever said yes when you really meant no?

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus tells a story about two brothers: one says no to his father but eventually does what he asks, while the other says yes but doesn’t follow through. So which one actually did his father’s will?

This Gospel gets us thinking about people-pleasing, authenticity, discernment, and the sometimes uncomfortable work of letting our yes mean yes and our no mean no.

We’ll look at the Gospel through the Providence virtue of simplicity, which calls us to be transparent and genuine before God and other people. We’ll also explore the Catholic understanding of the primacy of conscience and what it means to discern God’s will rather than simply doing what other people think we should do.

God isn't calling us to be yes people. God calls us to listen, discern, and live truthfully—with our words and our actions aligned.

For reflection:
What is your relationship with yes and no? What helps you discern well? And can you trust yourself to recognize and respond to what God is calling you to do?

The Providence Podcast is offered by the Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky through God Space—a spiritual community of welcome and belonging.

Come as you are. You belong here.

by Sr. Leslie Keener, CDP

You can find all of the Scripture readings from the lectionary here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can read the reflection and sign up to receive our weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GodSpaceCommunity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to the Providence Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠godspacecommunity.com/providencepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky is an international community of Catholic sisters with a mission to be witnesses of God's Providence. We place our trust in God as we care for God's people. Connect with the sisters at ⁠⁠⁠⁠CDPKentucky.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Music credits: Thanks to Pixabay and these artists for their royalty free music: intro and outro music Acoustic Inspire by The_Mountain, reflection questions music, Relaxing Meditation Music by SamuelFrancisJohnson

Why does God’s generosity sometimes bother us?

Isaiah reminds us that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and God’s ways are not our ways. Then Jesus gives us the wonderfully uncomfortable story of workers in a vineyard who all receive the same wage—even though some worked all day and others arrived at the last minute.

If we’re honest, God’s generosity can mess with our sense of fairness.

In this episode, I reflect on generosity, forgiveness, my two very generous grandmothers, and the invitation to give without constantly counting the cost.

Maybe becoming more like God happens little by little: learning to become more loving, more generous, and less concerned with keeping score.

What resonates with you from these readings? Where is God inviting you to become more generous?

The Providence Podcast is offered by the Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky through God Space—a spiritual community for seekers, questioners, doubters, and anyone looking for a place of welcome and belonging.

Come as you are. You belong here.

by Sr. Leslie Keener, CDP

You can find all of the Scripture readings from the lectionary here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can read the reflection and sign up to receive our weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GodSpaceCommunity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to the Providence Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠godspacecommunity.com/providencepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

At God Space, you can come as you are. You belong here. God Space is an outreach ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky, an international community of Catholic sisters with a mission to be witnesses of God's Providence. We place our trust in God as we care for God's people. Connect with the sisters at ⁠⁠⁠⁠CDPKentucky.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Music credits: Thanks to Pixabay and these artists for their royalty free music: intro and outro music Acoustic Inspire by The_Mountain, reflection questions music, Relaxing Meditation Music by SamuelFrancisJohnson

What kind of anger are you nourishing?

In this week’s readings, Sirach offers a striking image: “the sinner hugs” wrath and anger tightly. But not all anger is destructive. Sometimes anger wakes us up, moves us toward justice, gives us courage, or helps us speak up for ourselves and others. Other times, anger becomes resentment, bitterness, or rage—and the more we feed it, the more it takes hold of us.

So how do we tell the difference?

In this episode of the Providence Podcast, we explore the many flavors of anger and consider what might be underneath it: hurt, anxiety, sadness, fear, wounded pride, or even a call from God to act. When we can name what is stirring in us, we may be better able to discern whether God is calling us toward action, mercy, healing, forgiveness—or letting go.

What kind of anger are you nourishing? And what might God be asking you to do with it?

The Providence Podcast offers weekly reflections on faith, spirituality, scripture, and real life from the Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky.

by Sr. Leslie Keener, CDP

You can find all of the Scripture readings from the lectionary here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can read the reflection and sign up to receive our weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GodSpaceCommunity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to the Providence Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠godspacecommunity.com/providencepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

At God Space, you can come as you are. You belong here. God Space is an outreach ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky, an international community of Catholic sisters with a mission to be witnesses of God's Providence. We place our trust in God as we care for God's people. Connect with the sisters at ⁠⁠⁠⁠CDPKentucky.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Music credits: Thanks to Pixabay and these artists for their royalty free music: intro and outro music Acoustic Inspire by The_Mountain, reflection questions music, Relaxing Meditation Music by SamuelFrancisJohnson

Do we really owe each other love?Paul’s words in Romans stopped me in my tracks this week: “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another.” I usually think of love as a gift we freely give, not an obligation. So what does it mean to say that we owe love to one another?In this episode of the Providence Podcast, we explore what it means to love—not simply as a feeling, but as a willingness to seek the good of another person. We’ll look at the connection between love, conflict, reconciliation, and community in the readings from Romans and Matthew, and consider what it means to love someone even when we don’t particularly like them or feel very loving toward them.And what about loving ourselves? Loving our neighbors doesn’t mean becoming a doormat. Real love includes compassion and care for ourselves, too.The Sisters of Divine Providence invite you to reflect on what it means to love in the messy, complicated reality of everyday relationships—and to notice Christ present among us whenever we gather in love.For reflection:• How have you dealt with conflict in your relationships? What helps you continue to love the person during those times?• How is God with you when you’re struggling through conflict?• How do you love others when you’re at your best?• What resonates with you in this reflection? What might God be inviting you toward?The Providence Podcast offers weekly reflections on faith, Scripture, spirituality, and real life from the Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky.

“Who do you say that I am?”

Jesus asks this vulnerable question of his friends—and as we begin Season 6 of the Providence Podcast, we’re going to sit with it together.

Who is Christ for you? Who is God for you? And what happens when the answer isn't clear?

Our faith can move through seasons of certainty, questioning, doubt, trust, mystery, and wonder. In this episode, we explore how those experiences can be part of a healthy spiritual life—and how we can trust that God is with us even when we don't have all the answers.

Then we turn the question around: Who does God say that you are?

What might it mean to be known by God more deeply than we know ourselves? And what might we discover as we allow the mystery of who we are to unfold?

Whether you're feeling grounded in faith, full of questions, or somewhere in between, you're welcome here.

Reflection questions:
What wells up in you when you hear Jesus ask, “Who do you say that I am?”

How does God respond when you ask, “Who do you say that I am?”

What might emerge if you spend some quiet time with God and listen?

Welcome to Season 6. I'm glad you're here.

by Sr. Leslie Keener, CDP

You can find all of the Scripture readings from the lectionary here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can read the reflection and sign up to receive our weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GodSpaceCommunity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to the Providence Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠godspacecommunity.com/providencepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

At God Space, you can come as you are. You belong here. God Space is an outreach ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky, an international community of Catholic sisters with a mission to be witnesses of God's Providence. We place our trust in God as we care for God's people. Connect with the sisters at ⁠⁠⁠⁠CDPKentucky.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Music credits: Thanks to Pixabay and these artists for their royalty free music: intro and outro music Acoustic Inspire by The_Mountain, reflection questions music, Relaxing Meditation Music by SamuelFrancisJohnson