Displaying 2 items of Draw Near with the tag "new life in christ".
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Penance: The Desert Where God Transforms Us
February 18th, 2026 | 40 mins 33 secs
almsgiving, ash wednesday, catholic podcast, catholic spirituality, christian living, desert spirituality, discipleship, draw near podcast, faith journey, fasting, hope, lent, new life in christ, penance, prayer, resurrection, sacrifice, spiritual growth, suffering, transformation
Suffering is where transformation begins, but what does that have to do with Lent?
In this Ash Wednesday episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara explore the meaning of penance, the purpose of the desert season, and how suffering can become a place of spiritual growth that leads toward resurrection. Why does Lent begin with ashes and words about death? How does penance train the heart? And how does the journey through sacrifice open us to new life in Christ?
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Unbind Him: Finding Resurrection in the Midst of the Cross
April 16th, 2025 | 23 mins 33 secs
catholic podcast, christian discipleship, draw near, easter preparation, encouragement, gospel meditation, holy week, joy in sorrow, lazarus, new life in christ, prayer and healing, resurrection, spiritual reflection, suffering and hope, the cross
Is it possible to feel joy in the midst of sorrow? Can we call Holy Week happy even while meditating on the suffering of Jesus? In this short and heartfelt Holy Week reflection, Fred and Kara share a deeply personal and spiritually rich meditation on John 11—the raising of Lazarus.
Together, we explore what it means for Jesus to stand before our tombs and call us by name, how we’re invited into community to help “unbind” one another from the grave clothes of fear, shame, and sin, and how the resurrection is not just something we believe in—it’s something we’re called to live.
Whether you're walking through grief, wrestling with God's timing, or just longing for renewal, this episode is a companion for your journey toward Easter joy. You’ll also hear stories from our own lives, encouragement for your spiritual walk, and a Holy Week challenge to invite God into your deepest burdens.