In this final part of the book study on ‘A Grief Observed’, Stina and Padre reflect on the closing chapter of the book and the reality that grief is not something we “get over,” but something we learn to carry. Together they unpack the changing nature of grief, the dangers of reducing grief to neat “stages,” the Christian hope of eternal life, and what it means to entrust those we love back into the hands of God.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:02:36 - Introduction to Grief and C.S. Lewis

00:02:37 - 00:05:25 - Understanding the Nature of Grief

00:05:26 - 00:08:21 - The Evolution of Grief

00:08:22 - 00:11:29 - Grief as a Non-Linear Experience

00:11:30 - 00:16:10 - The Role of Memory and Presence in Grief

00:16:11 - 00:21:48 - Integrating Grief into Life

00:21:49 - 00:24:57 - Truth, Beauty and Goodness

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

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In Part 2 of their book study on A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis, Stina and Padre explore how grief reshapes memory, identity, and our experience of love. This episode dives into the tension between remembering someone truthfully versus idealising them, and how grief impacts not just our emotions, but our entire way of being.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:04:28 - The Importance of Authentic Memory

00:04:29 - 00:08:42 - The Challenge of Grief on Faith

00:08:43 - 00:18:00 - The Importance of Communication in Grief

00:18:01 - 00:24:29 - Vulnerability and Authenticity in Grief

00:24:30 - 00:27:13 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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In this deeply human and honest episode, Stina and Padre begin their three-part book study on A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis. Together, they explore the raw and complex reality of grief—not as a neat concept, but as a lived, often overwhelming experience. From the disruption of our very way of being in the world to the inadequacy of words like “sadness,” this episode opens up what grief truly feels like, how it unfolds, and how we can better accompany others through it—with presence, not platitudes.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:01:28 - Introduction to Grief Observed

00:01:29 - 00:07:12 - Understanding Grief: A Personal Journey

00:07:13 - 00:13:04 - The Individual Nature of Grief

00:13:05 - 00:18:41 - The Role of Presence in Grief Support

00:18:42 - 00:22:25 - Navigating Grief: The Role of Community

00:22:26 - 00:27:32 - Understanding the Waves of Grief

00:27:33 - 00:33:02 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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Why does living the Christian life feel so uncomfortable—and even polarising—in today’s culture? In this episode, Stina and Padre explore the growing tension between a world that prioritises comfort, personal truth, and self-definition, and a faith that calls us to objective truth, transformation, and holiness. They unpack why Christianity can feel confronting, how to respond to cultural polarisation with both truth and charity, and why discomfort might actually be a sign of growth—not something to avoid.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - 00:07:01 - Comfort vs. Conviction in Christianity

00:07:02 - 00:11:46 - The Dichotomy of Uniqueness and Uniformity

00:11:47 - 00:19:35 - The Nature of Truth and Relativism

00:19:36 - 00:23:27 - Navigating Cultural Polarization

00:23:28 - 00:33:43 - Expecting Opposition in Faith

00:33:44 - 00:35:18 - Reflections on Grief and Community

00:35:19 - 00:40:04 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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What’s the difference between giving up and surrendering—and why does it matter for our spiritual life? In this episode, Stina and Padre unpack a subtle but powerful distinction that shapes how we respond to suffering, relationships, and unanswered prayers.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:02:56 - Understanding Surrender vs. Giving Up

00:02:57 - 00:05:12 - The Role of Trust in Surrender

00:05:13 - 00:10:05 - Desires and Surrender 00:10:06 - 00:12:29 - Biblical Perspectives on Surrender

00:12:30 - 00:14:50 - Hope vs. Hopelessness

00:14:51 - 00:18:54 - The Journey of Letting Go

00:18:55 - 00:21:04 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below: https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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Scripture tells us both to stand firm and to flee from temptation—but how do we know which to do and when? In this episode, Stina and Padre unpack one of the most practical questions in the spiritual life: how to respond to temptation, especially in areas of doubt and purity. They explore why fleeing is often the wisest response, how to discern the movements of the heart, and how self-knowledge and grace shape our ability to stand and fight.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:04:27 - Understanding Doubt and Purity

00:04:28 - 00:11:59 - Discernment in Spiritual Life

00:12:00 - 00:17:41 - Goals vs. Boundaries in Relationships

00:17:42 - 00:20:08 - Understanding Shame and Vulnerability

00:20:09 - 00:23:09 - Healing Through Connection and Love

00:23:10 - 00:29:32 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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If God is good and loving, why does temptation exist? And does He send it? In this episode, Stina and Padre unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of the Christian life—temptation. Together, they explore the difference between God’s will and what He permits, the true sources of temptation, and how freedom, weakness, and grace all play a role in our spiritual growth. This episode brings clarity to the tension between suffering, sin, and redemption, helping listeners understand how God works even through our struggles to draw us closer to Him.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:04:25 - Understanding Temptation: Divine Will vs. Human Freedom

00:04:26 - 00:10:03 - Trials vs. Temptations: The Divine Perspective

00:10:04 - 00:12:51 - The Ripple Effect of Sin: Individual vs. Community

00:12:52 - 00:15:58 - Navigating Temptation: Learning from Our Struggles

00:15:59 - 00:26:48 - Mindfulness and Awareness of Feelings

00:26:49 - 00:29:29 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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As the Church enters the most sacred days of the liturgical year, Stina and Padre reflect on the meaning of the Triduum and how Christians can approach it with intentional hearts. Beginning with Holy Thursday and moving through Good Friday to Holy Saturday, they explore three spiritual postures that help us walk closely with Christ: receptivity, compassion, and waiting. This episode invites listeners to enter the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection not as distant observers, but as participants united with Him.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:01:29 - Introduction to the Paschal Triduum

00:01:30 - 00:03:54 - The Significance of Holy Week

00:03:55 - 00:09:44 - Holy Thursday: The Posture of Receiving

00:09:45 - 00:20:33 - Good Friday: Embracing Compassion

00:20:34 - 00:22:53 - The Essence of Waiting on Holy Saturday

00:22:54 - 00:25:13 - Grief and Hope in Christian Faith

00:25:14 - 00:32:09 - The Challenge of Engaging in Stillness

00:32:10 - 00:36:26 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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