“Jesus himself drew near.” (Lk 24:15)
God takes the initiative to draw near to us out of a deep and personal love for each one of us. This movement asks each of us for a response. There are so many beautiful ways we can respond to the work of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. This is a journey we share together, drawing near to Christ as we draw near to one another. This shared journey toward Christ, rooted in the Catholic faith, is the focus of our podcast. Our goal is to be authentic, honest, humble, faithful, loving, passionate, real and vulnerable in each episode. We also like to keep it lighthearted. We are two best friends, sharing life together with our families. We invite you to join us as we Draw Near. Let's grow towards sainthood together!
Listen below to the most RECENT EPISODE:
Advent Reflection: Already… and Not Yet
In this Lectio Divina Advent Reflection, Fred and Kara talk about preparing for the coming of Jesus! He was born of a virgin so has ALREADY come. BUT also... not YET, because Jesus will come again. Are we preparing ourselves for Jesus to return? What if Jesus returned tomorrow? Are you ready?
“In the Desert I Praise You:” Gratitude Reflection
Fred and Kara reflect on 2 Scripture passages focusing on gratitude to God. We are thankful for the goodness of life. But… how often do we thank God for the thorn in our side, the pit we have fallen into, or the desert we simply cannot find a way out of?
Love Builds the Church: a Lectio of 1 Cor. 13
LOVE is the root of renewal of heart, renewal in the Church, and renewal in the world. "Love" builds the Church. This is a topic Fred and Kara have wanted to take up for a LONG time on the Draw Near podcast. We share personal reflections or this passage and how God has been moving in our hearts and lives recently.
Saints, Karate and Holy Week
In this episode, we spend some time reflecting on the past few weeks and what the Lord has been speaking to our hearts and doing in our lives as we have moved through the end of Lent and into Holy Week. We also discuss karate… What? Yes… karate! In a binge-able series we’ve both watched, we share some Gospel messages found and how it points us to dive deeper into Holy Week. What is that series?—listen to find out. Finally, Kara ends the episode with a prayerful meditation on the Sorrowful Mysteries as we prepare for Good Friday and await the Resurrection with hope.
Praying the Catechism and God’s Incredible Love for You
In this Shorty, Fred shows us how to not only pray with Scripture, but also how to pray with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is itself filled with Scripture. This book, a summation of the Catholic faith, is not merely a reference book. The Church teaches Truth, and we are invited to not simply learn this truth, but pray with it! Fred presents a method for praying the Catechism, and reflects on the profound truth and beauty that is revealed in the process.