Emerge 2020 Podcast

The 2020 Lenten Faith Journey prepared us for an unexpected change of pace - a PANDEMIC. Little did we know what would rock our daily lives but also the entire world. Now, as we prepare for 2021, our Emerge team is launching a new program called, Ignite! This program will not only help you create a strong foundation rooted in faith, mindset, intention, and purpose, it will help you activate your life so that you enjoy the adventure, remember the little things, take hold of the memories but also ensure that your life is making an impact each day to leave the legacy you've always dreamed of. Patience and perseverance always prevail. Stay tuned as the best is yet to come!

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia, Alleluia!

"He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said." Matthew 28:6

If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. - John 13: 14-15

The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. That I might know how to answer the weary a word that will waken them. Morning after morning he wakens my ear to hear as disciples do. Isaiah 50:4

"Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later," John 13:36

The Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom should I be afraid? - Psalm 27:1 "It is impossible to divide love; true love knows only how to multiply." - Matthew Kelly

My God, My God, why have you abandoned me? - Psalms 22 "The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised." - Matthew 27:52

Thus says the Lord GOD: I will soon take the Israelites from among the nations to which they have gone and gather them from all around to bring them back to their land. I will make them one nation in the land, upon the mountains of Israel, and there shall be one king for them all. They shall never again be two nations. Ezekial 37: 21-22

Reflection from the past week: Be coachable Be a rebel Make room in your life Today's choice is tomorrow's reality We will rise again.

Life is full of choices. We are constantly making decisions, and the decisions we make today will determine who we become tomorrow. Are you willing to emerge strengthened?

Are you making room in your life, mind and heart for God's word? "Jesus' concern for people's physical and material needs is one of the things that set him apart from the spiritual leaders of his time. He wasn't just interested in the spiritual well-being of people; he was interested in the whole person." - Matthew Kelly

When we live in convenient darkness, unaware of our sins, we will never make spiritual progress, so we need the light. However painful it is - then we can begin to rise. - Bishop Robert Barron Be a Rebel - reject the world's vision for your life. Embrace and celebrate God's vision. - Matthew Kelly

Jesus said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” - John 8:7 Can you be faithful and critical?

"I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." - John 11:25

Although we may not all agree on the exact specifics of faith and religion, help us to unite and know that God is with us. He is calling us to unite in His name, as one people who love and serve the Lord.

"I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me." - John 7:29 "One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God." - Matthew 4:4B

"Truth engages the mind, beauty engages the heart and imagination, and goodness engages our very humanity and inspires us to love deeply." - Matthew Kelly For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten son so that everyone who believes in Him might have eternal live. - John 3:16

The saints experienced life to the fullest in a way that most of us cannot even begin to imagine. We are called to lay down our lives in small ways each day so that other people can be raised up in some way. Are you willing to lay down your life by making small sacrifices?

You are invited to 'bloom where you are planted.' In God's love we are called to do the little things with great love. This simple and consistent application of the Gospel is what can make the most impact.

Everyone needs reform from time to time. What do you sense needs reforming in your life? Know that it is worth it and God wants to be part of that journey with you. Do not be afraid. Be bold. - Matthew Kelly

Then Jesus said, "I have come into this world for judgement, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind." - John 9:39-41

Come let us return to the Lord. It is he who has rent, but he will heal us. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts! God who is faithful and just will forgive your sins.

And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. - Mark 12:33

Authentic faith is going to have to wrestle with doubt from time to time. It's important not to lose sight of the fact that this is natural, normal and healthy. - Matthew Kelly Doubt leads us to a greater place in faith. Will you allow your faith to open up new doors and develop a deeper relationship with God?

God is always found in the present moment, but the present moment can seem brutal at times, and that brutality can make him seem very far away." -Matthew Kelly "Take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and your children's children." - Deuteronomy 4:9

On this Saint Patrick's Day, we are reminded that the saints are there during life's great highs and celebrations and they are there in those dark moments when life brings us low. They are never far away. So let our sacrifice be in your presence today as we follow you unreservedly; for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame. - Daniel 3:40

As baptized individuals, we are called to be prophets, to share God's Word with everyone. It is not our word, but the Word of God given to us by God. - Bishop Robert Barron Are your friends helping you become the best version of yourself? How are you recognizing and serving the poor around you?

“I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one speaking with you.” Are you prepared to answer the call when He comes and you least expect it?

‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'” - Luke 15 v.31-32

How are we tending to the vineyard? We have received so much from God, but are we making the world fruitful? Are we responding to the Lord's invitation with the works of justice, love, peace, chastity, and respect for others? Or are we more or less killing the messengers? - Bishop Robert Barron

Are you part of a vibrant community? How do you contribute to its vibrancy? Is Jesus calling you to sit at his feet and be present (like Mary) or grow in hospitality and serve others (like Martha)? How are you willing to participate and contribute to your faith community to help it become more dynamic each year?

"The saints were God's friends on this earth. And now it's your turn." Do you allow people to really get to know you? How do you want to be known and be remembered? - Matthew Kelly

The saints teach us to live boldly by listening to the gentle voice within. When was the last time you paused to listen to your conscience before making a decision? Are you living your life with passion and purpose?

It's time to pay attention to the story you are writing with your life. It's time to live a life that intrigues people, one that challenges people to rethink their own lives. "We all carry the seeds of greatness within us. Sometimes that greatness manifests in extraordinary things, but most of the time the greatness of God manifests in us through ordinary things done with great love." - Matthew Kelly  

"The teachings of Jesus are constantly inviting us to experience life more fully." - Matthew Kelly We are being called to experience God's love on a deeper level. What have you learned during this past week about yourself, God and the world that you will take with you to help you become closer to God in the next week?

Are you ready to rise up? God is calling us to strip down the material things in our life and focus on His daily teachings. Are you listening to His call?

Today we are called to 'go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift to God.' - Matthew 5:24 How has God opened your heart and mind to new possibilities this week? Who do you need to reconcile with?

If we really want to understand what is happening in the world around us, we first need to explore what is happening within us. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

If you do nothing else with your life, develop an amazing friendship with God." - Matthew Kelly

Few things bring us happiness like deeply rooted daily routines. There is something about healthy routines and rituals that leads the human person to flourish. What are your daily routines? How could a daily prayer routine influence your life?

God is interested not only in our spiritual activities, but in every aspect of our lives. When was the last time you felt fully alive?

"One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God."

Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. This Lent we are called to experience a desert of solitude as we await the coming of our Lord Jesus.

We fast in order to become closer to God and connect with him on a deeper level. When we quiet our desire for immediate gratification, then our deepest desires will emerge. The Lessons of the Sea Turtle teach us: Trust Your Inner Vision Adapt to New Surroundings Perfect and Divine Timing Protection Longevity Enjoy the Journey

Have you ever allowed yourself to rest in God's love? In what ways does God show you the power of his live? Are you being called into a deeper relationship with him now? "We all have different experiences of God and his love, and in each personal experience there are meanings and mysteries that unfold throughout our lives." - Matthew Kelly

What do you believe about your past that is keeping you from your future? In what areas of your life have you abandoned God and why? Did you have a turning point in your life like St. Augustine? Do you still need one now?

Join us for our first ever Lenten faith journey.  Follow along as we share daily reflections that will inspire YOU to live a faith-centered life, become closer to God, surround yourself with a community of believers who support one another and challenge each other to a live a better life than the day before (despite religious differences) and pick your self back up when you have fallen and choose to keep going.  Prepare to emerge strengthened and enjoy the journey! #emerge2020