The Late to Church Podcast James Longoria and Nickie Moncada

Wow. What a call to spiritual and emotional awakening! Our GOOD friend Megan Copeland challenges us to reframe our suffering and to see the heart of a God who wants real intimacy with us. One of the founders of the His Beloved of Texas Apostolate, Megan is a Catholic Christian wife, mom, podcaster, speaker, and all-around disciple of Jesus. She walks with Christ with real intention and she invites others to seek Christ in our own journey by embracing and finding meaning, joy, and conversion in every moment. This is a powerful, exciting, and fun episode! Join us!

It's uncomfortable how long we goofed around before really getting to the conversation this week! However, that's not exactly the kind of discomfort we're discussing in this week's episode. All joking aside, this week we're taking a look at the uncomfortable result of Easter. The truth that Jesus died for our sins and rose again to set us free from them demands our growth. More often than not, growth is painful. If you've ever gotten through Lent, celebrated Easter, only to be left thinking, "Now what?", you may be being called to something greater. Greater than the Resurrection? Certainly not. But just maybe greatness beyond your wildest imaginings.

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
Freedom is simultaneously attractive, mysterious, and elusive. These three qualities alone demonstrate freedom's importance in our lives. However, most of us find ourselves living decidedly un-free lives for several reasons. Sin and its consequences keep us from being free, as do the harsh human behaviors of judgment, comparison, and shame. What can Jesus' actions during the last week of His life teach us about freedom? Jesus wasn't free in a worldly sense, so what did He mean when he promised us the freedom that's found in truth? Let's unpack the concept of freedom from Jesus' perspective, and start living in His freedom right now.

Look up... and down... and all around. Signs of God's love and majesty are everywhere - especially in the Church! Today we're talking about how the art and architecture of churches can provide us with landmarks in our relationship with God. These can be especially helpful during Lent when our 40-day journey can sometimes feel very isolating. Join us as we reflect on the realities represented by crucifixes, sacred vessels, and even the tabernacle!

Ashes, dust, doom & gloom... Or not? One of our favorite liturgical seasons is right around the corner! We've talked about Lent and all it entails before, but in today's episode, we peel back the layers even further to reveal a season of... glory? That's right. Lent can and should be GLORIOUS! Repenting, growing, and learning in this season are all ways in which we journey closer to God. So even when all that work might be painful, it's helpful to remember the grace and glory that we find in the God who works and journeys with us. Plus a grandma story and much more!

Sit down with us for a "Porch Conversation" as we continue to peel back the layers on the Beatitudes! This week, we're reflecting on how our willingness to let God clear out some space in our hearts helps us to grow closer to Him and "see His face." It's a pretty radical concept, but one that's meant for us to experience "alone together." Join us for that and more on community, weddings, new iPads, and the perils of aging!