Draw Near

The Draw Near Retreat has a NEW DATE! God is inviting you to spend the day with him on November 16th! The Annual Draw Near Retreat is full of inspiring keynotes & breakout talks that will invite you to encounter God & grow deeper, & more resolute, in a life for Christ. Register right on our website (www.drawnear.me)by scrolling down on the Home screen or click Here (https://www.drawnear.me/events/draw-near-retreat)! ($20 will be collected at the door) Schedule: 9:30am check-ins 10am: Mass 11:00am: Keynote #1 11:45am: Small Group discussion 12:15am: Lunch 1:30pm Keynote #2 (Kara) 2:15pm Small Group Discussion 2:45pm Short break 3:00pm breakout sessions 3:40pm short break 3:45 pm Adoration/Worship/Confession 4:30pm Regather and Closing Remarks 5:00pm Conclude (Optional Evening) 5:30pm: Mass 6:30-9:00pm: Trivia Night! Location: Immaculate Conception Church. 1212 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106 We can't wait to see you there! Book Fred and/or Kara to speak or lead worship by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

In a radio broadcast from 1965, Paul Harvey gave a famous address called "If I were the devil." What would be the devils tactics to draw people away from God and away from the Church? Has he won? Where is God when looking at the state of the world? In this Draw Near podcast episode, Fred and Kara offer commentary on this address. Find the Book Mentioned: The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi (https://amzn.to/3Tf5DvR) Paul Harvey Audio/Address (https://www.google.com/search?q=if+i+were+the+devil+paul+harvey+video&oq=if+I+were+the+devil+paul+harvey+video&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MgoIARAAGIAEGKIEMgoIAhAAGIAEGKIEMgYIAxBFGDvSAQgxNzYwajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:1fd98724,vid:jnPE8u5ONls,st:0) A Sign of Contradiction Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Those that know us, know we LOVE music and worship. Please enjoy this raw (very un-edited) Cover of "Reckless Love" (with harmonies added) by Kara Kardell and Fred Shellabarger (Originally by Cory Asbury. This version by I Am They) Book Fred and/or Kara to speak or lead worship by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

There is so much division in the world... but also in the Church! The Church has been described in the image of a "Boat" since the Early Church Fathers. We are all ONE BOAT. ONE Church. What do we allow to divide us? Where is God in our opinions? Does pride divide us? Join us for this episode as we discuss what causes division in the Church and how it can be healed. REGISTER for the Draw Near Retreat HERE (https://www.exploretock.com/draw-near/event/486475/draw-near-retreat-a-future-a-hope): Sept 14, 2024 Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

How do we reconcile the faith, God's will, and Scripture with feelings of anxiety and depression? Fred and Kara with the Draw Near podcast bring in Spiritual Director, Sister Fidelis Marie to have an honest discussion about anxiety and depression. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

In this surprisingly personal episode, Fred and Kara share how the words of Jeremiah 29 can change our hearts. It gives a "map" of how to find God and what God wants to bring into your life! REGISTER for the Draw Near Retreat HERE (https://www.exploretock.com/draw-near/event/486475/draw-near-retreat-a-future-a-hope) Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

In this final episode of the Draw Near "Apologetics series," Fred and Kara share practical tips to defending your Catholic faith and sharing Truth with Love! "Defending" the faith doesn't have to be defensive or offensive. Here are best-practices to "always be ready" to witness when God presents you the opportunity. REGISTER for the Draw Near Retreat HERE (https://www.exploretock.com/draw-near/event/486475/draw-near-retreat-a-future-a-hope) Did you miss Parts 1, 2, or 3? Find them here! Part 1 Apologetics (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+AOhqFpkB) (answering common Catholic Misconceptions —Mary and Salvation) Part 2 Apologetics (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+8_KYPPGW) (Creation, Aliens, Eucharist, Purgatory, and Confession) Part 3 Apologetics (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+fGxwR_Y-) (The Pope, Bible Alone, Rapture, Ressurection) Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

What do Catholics ACTUALLY believe? Enjoy part 3 where Fred & Kara continue to defend the Catholic Church and correct any misconceptions or misunderstandings!! (We hope you're loving these Catholic teaching episodes as much as we are.) REGISTER for the Draw Near Retreat HERE (https://www.exploretock.com/draw-near/event/486475/draw-near-retreat-a-future-a-hope) Questions addressed in this episode: 1. Where is the papacy in Scripture? How does he have authority? 2. The bible is all you need, so why don't Catholics believe in Sola Scripture (the bible alone)? 3. What is the rapture? Will it happen? Do Catholics believe in it? 4. How can anyone believe Jesus actually rose from the dead? This Apologetics series will conclude with Part 4 where we share "HOW TO" defend your own faith and best practices when you go out in the world as a witness of Christ's love and the Truth of his teaching. Did you miss Parts 1 or 2? Find them here! Part 1 Apologetics (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+AOhqFpkB) (answering common Catholic Misconceptions —Mary and Salvation) Part 2 Apologetics (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+8_KYPPGW) (Creation, Aliens, Eucharist, Purgatory, and Confession) Past episodes mentioned in this episode: Papacy episode: "Until the King Returns (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+0wu_3tSo)" Priesthood Episode: "Giving the Vineyard to Others (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+W2-ilvGk)" Episode on Authority, Magisterium, & Sola Scriptural: "By Whose Authroity (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+EmOFCd8Q)" Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

In PART 2 of this 4-part apologetics series, Fred and Kara take up more difficult Catholic questions like: creation, aliens, the Eucharist, Confession, and Purgatory. REGISTER for the Draw Near Retreat HERE (https://www.exploretock.com/draw-near/event/486475/draw-near-retreat-a-future-a-hope) Questions answered in this episode: 1. What do Catholic (have to) believe about Creation? Evolution? 7-literal days? 2. Aliens 3. Where is the Eucharist in the Bible? 4. Why do you confess your sins to a priest? 5. Where is Purgatory in the Bible? Episodes/Links mentioned in this episode: Bible Basics for Catholics (book) (https://amzn.to/3RlP8x3) "Giving the Vineyard to Others (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+W2-ilvGk)" -- episode on priesthood My Lord and My God episodes about Eucharist: "Bread from Heaven (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+LUnDYOVw)" "Feeding the 5000 (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+LTOu4kAU)" "I am the Bread of Life (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+tsCQ5wZd)" --John 6 "As you did in Egypt (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+lldoweZF)" -- Passover "The Last Supper (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+lNRzeWXm)" Spelling correction: "phagate"--eat as though to eat a meal. "tropien" -- gnaw Questions to come in this series (Part 3): 1. The bible is all you need; why don't Catholic believe in Sola Scripture (the bible alone)? 2. Where is the papacy in Scripture? How does he have authority? 3. What is the rapture? Will it happen? Do Catholics believe in it? 4. How can anyone believe Jesus actually rose from the dead? Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Who loves Q&A? We do! Fred and Kara answer common Catholic questions, among Catholics, Protestants, or even atheists. Enjoy part 1 of this extended series. REGISTER for the Draw Near Retreat HERE (https://www.exploretock.com/draw-near/event/486475/draw-near-retreat-a-future-a-hope) *Questions in this episode: * 1. Why do Catholic Worship Mary? What's the deal with Mary? 2. Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the Saints? 3. What do Catholics believe about salvation? How are you saved? Questions to come in this series (upcoming episodes): 1. What do Catholic have to believe about Creation? Evolution? 7-literal days? 2. Aliens 3. Where is the Eucharist in the Bible? 4. Why do you confess your sins to a priest? 5. Where is Purgatory in the Bible? 6. The bible is all you need; why don't Catholic believe in Sola Scripture (the bible alone)? 7. Where is the papacy in Scripture? How does he have authority? 8. What is the rapture? Will it happen? Do Catholics believe in it? 9. How can anyone believe Jesus actually rose from the dead? Links referenced: Full of Grace (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+lj3iujO-) There's Something about Mary (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+oeio6ZBG) Mary: Ark of the New Covenant (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+YhPeRg1H) On the Reciprocity of Gifts: John M.G. Barclay "Under Grace" Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Enjoy this Draw Near Cover of "I Am Not Alone" by Kara Kardell and Fred Shellabarger (originally by Kari Jobe) Book Fred and/or Kara to speak/lead worship by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without you. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! COVER © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

"Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it." Just like that... no questions asked? Does he need anything from us? In this episode, we reflect on the words of Jesus in John 14:12-14 as we look for answers to these questions. Scriptures Mentioned In This Episode John 14:12-14 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; f you ask anything in my name, I will do it. Mark 11:22-26 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” John 15:15-17 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples. Matthew 21:21-22 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and never doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Luke 18:1-8 (Parable of the Unjust Judge) And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Vindicate me against my adversary.’ For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Mark 9:14-24 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd about them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and ran up to him and greeted him. And he asked them, “What are you discussing with them?” And one of the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus[d] asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can! All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out[e] and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” From the Catechism of the Catholic Church Par. 2609 Once committed to conversion, the heart learns to pray in faith. Faith is a filial adherence to God beyond what we feel and understand. It is possible because the beloved Son gives us access to the Father. He can ask us to "seek" and to "knock," since he himself is the door and the way. Episodes Mentioned/Related Episodes Willingness to Suffer (https://www.drawnear.me/podcast-drawnear/6) Redemptive Suffering (https://www.drawnear.me/podcast-drawnear/7) Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? (https://www.drawnear.me/podcast-drawnear/badthingsgoodpeople) Thy Kingdom Come, Thy WIll Be Done (https://www.drawnear.me/podcast-drawnear/48) God's Ways Are Desert Ways (https://www.drawnear.me/podcast-drawnear/30) Her Answered Prayer (https://www.drawnear.me/podcast-mylordandmygod/sonjacorbitt) Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

We were made for relationship and friendship. Yet, so many of us often feel alone; lost in a sea of acquaintances, with few "real" friends. We feel alone. How are we to overcome this? How are we to actually "Add Friend" in real life? Why is it more important to "belong" in a friendship, rather than to simply "fit in?" What can we learn from Jesus about what true friendship looks like? These are some of the questions we set out to answer as we reflect on Scripture, our own experiences, and of course, our own friendship. *Scriptures we mention in this episode: * Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Sirach 6:14-17 A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence. A faithful friend is an elixir of life; and those who fear the Lord will find him. Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright, for as he is, so is his neighbor also. Pov 18:24 There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. John 15:12-13 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 1 thes 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Col 3:13 forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Gal 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Eph 4:29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear. Heb 3:12-13 Take care, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Heb 10:23-24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Eph 5:15-20 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, 20 always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. 21 Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

In this final episode of My Lord and My God, we explore the meaning of the phrase, drawn from Church teaching, "The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Why is it important? In Scripture, Christ wants to abide in us; to cast our anxieties upon Him. We are reminded that it is only in Him that we have life in the fullest and truest sense. We also read that He will be with us even until the "close of the age"; He invites us to that great heavenly wedding feast as the true and final SUMMIT! What does this all have to do with the Eucharist or your life? ...Everything! Scriptures referenced in this episode Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh.” Matthew 26:26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 1 Corinthians 11:24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” John 6:56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. John 6:63 It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. Revelation 19:6-9 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” *Catechism of the Catholic Church References: * 1324: The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life." "The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch. 1407: The Eucharist is the heart and the summit of the Church's life, for in it Christ associates his Church and all her members with his sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving offered once for all on the cross to his Father; by this sacrifice he pours out the graces of salvation on his Body which is the Church. Episodes Referenced in This Episode: Four Peope You Need in Your Life (https://drawnear.fireside.fm/13) Please consider continuing to listen and journey with us by checking out our main podcast, Draw Near (https://drawnear.fireside.fm/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a supporter/patron or access the patron book study! "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! My Lord & My God Theme: Original Music © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell; Arranged and Performed by Paul Ching

Despite the world being so "connected," many of us find ourselves struggling with feelings of isolation and loneliness. We have many "friends," or more accurately, "best acquaintances," but we often lack the meaningful relationships; the friendships we long for that are characterized by love, vulnerability, mutual encouragement and accountability. What can Scripture teach us about friendship? How do we find and maintain these friendships? What can the saints teach us? What does Aristotle have to do with this? Find out on this episode of Draw Near as Fred and Kara discuss all of this and share from their own close friendship! Scripture Passage to pray with: Sirach 6:14-17 "A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he that has found one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence. A faithful friend is an elixir of life; and those who fear the Lord will find him. Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright, for as he is, so is his neighbor also." Referenced in the episode: 4 People you need in your life (https://drawnear.fireside.fm/13) Male and Female friendships: Opposite Sex Friendships (https://www.catholicsingles.com/blog/opposite-sex-friendship-saints/) Holy Friendship in a hypersexualized world (https://tobinstitute.org/holy-friendship-in-a-hypersexualized-world/?fbclid=IwAR3T0VoXcb5CMclFvNQyK9bSyosbt1dYU1Fv2pRtl_gOuCd903Z4fPxFpro) Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell