Transformation Edition

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Emmaus 90 - 2027 Explores Transformation

“Be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” — Romans 12:2

Jesus transformed the world by forming disciples whose lives were first transformed by him. In this Emmaus 90 Transformation Edition, we can enter more deeply into that same journey: receive God’s transforming love, allow him to heal and free us, and then become instruments of his transforming love for others.

It begins with relationship. We learn to notice God drawing near, recognize his voice, and grow secure in his love and his promise: “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5). Knowing we are safe with him, we can bring him even the most tender places of our hearts.

God wants to transform what keeps us stuck. Anxiety, anger, wounds, and unhealthy habits we cannot seem to break through our own strength can become places where we encounter Jesus’ mercy and power. As we open these places to him, he renews our minds, heals our wounds, and leads us into greater freedom.

Transformation does not stop with us. Once transformed by God’s grace, what once kept us stuck can become a source of hope and transformation for others. Not only can he change our lives, but he can work through our transformation to bring his healing and freedom to our families, churches, communities, and world. We who are transformed transform our world. 

What in your life feels stuck?
What are you longing for Jesus to transform, heal, or set free?

Let’s ask Jesus for this grace and help each other receive his transformation through Emmaus 90 this New Year to Easter.

Lord, transform us. Help us let you love us where we feel stuck. Heal what needs healing. Free what keeps us bound. Set our hearts on fire with your love. And then show us how you can use our transformation to transform our world. Amen.

Here’s What We Can Do to Open Ourselves to Receive More of God’s Transformation:

Feel overwhelmed by this list? Just start with the five practices circled below.

Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. If you know it’s too much for you to do it all, what could you do to make a little more space for God? Decide to do that. Remember, if you miss a day, don’t get discouraged. Simply return to Jesus the next day and ask him to help you to try again. “His grace is renewed each morning” (Lamentations 3:22-24)

Time for God

Full Active Conscious Participation in Sunday Mass – Prepare to enter fully into the celebration of the Mass each Sunday.

Daily Prayer – Spend at least 15 minutes a day in prayer with Sacred Scripture. (We’ll provide a guide to make this simple for you)

Regular Reconciliation – Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a month.

Daily Examen – Take 5 minutes to review your day and notice where God was moving in your life. (We’ll provide a guide to make this simple for you)

Daily Journal – Your Emmaus90 Guidebook will contain pages to jot down what God is showing you in your prayer with Scripture and your Examen. Looking back at these notes will help you to see how God is speaking.

STRETCH GOAL: More Time in the Real Presence – In addition to Sunday Mass, spend some time praying in the real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

Person sitting at a wooden table with a cup of coffee and open books, studying or reading, in a cozy setting with warm lighting.

Time for Connection

Weekly Pilgrim Group – We encourage each Emmaus 90 Pilgrim to find a group of 2-3 friends, family members, or fellow parishioners who commit to connect with each other weekly (in-person or online) for encouragement, accountability, and community in a 30 to 60-minute discussion. Ask the Lord to help you discern who to invite on this journey and invite them to join you. Set a weekly time to connect. (We’ll provide a discussion guide for your time together)

Weekly Formation – Emmaus 90 offers weekly Formation Sessions by Livestream on Thursdays at 7pm that connect you to Catholic Church teaching and all the pilgrims from across the Archdiocese of Milwaukee taking this journey together. (Not free on Thursdays at 7? We’ll send you the recording)

Some Parishes host a weekly “watch party” where all Pilgrim Groups can connect with all the Emmaus 90 pilgrims from their parish to watch the Formation Session together and discuss in their smaller Pilgrim Groups.

Discern what will work for your life and group.

Live Sundays Well – Strive to make space on Sundays for prayer, family, friends, rest and healthy leisure.

A man and woman sitting outside at a wooden table, smiling and talking while holding cups. There is a partially eaten pastry on a plate on the table. They are enjoying a casual conversation in a cozy outdoor cafe setting.

Do Small Things with Great Love – Look for opportunities to love and serve Jesus in the last, least, lost and lonely in your life.

Fast from Meat on Fridays – Offer up your fast for someone in need. (Or substitute a different fast on Fridays before Lent.)

Walk With One – Discern who God wants you to accompany, pray for them and for the grace to accompany them well, connect with them, and invite them to take a concrete next step toward deeper relationship with Jesus and his Church. On most days, this will simply mean praying for them.

STRETCH GOAL: Practice Virtue – Choose one virtue, ask God to help you and strive to practice it daily. See Catechism 1803-1804 for ideas.

Time for Mission

A person with long brown hair, wearing a floral long-sleeve shirt and black pants, sitting cross-legged outdoors, holding a book and with hands clasped together.