Higher Ground by Elevated Parish Missions

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Martin and Brian reflect on the profound significance of Jesus' words, "I thirst," exploring themes of vulnerability, the human need for connection, and maintaining spiritual health as leaders and fathers. They delve into how acknowledging our needs can open the door to authentic relationships and divine grace. Takeaways The meaning of Chris...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground , Martin Watjen and Brian Hough delve into the profound meaning behind Jesus's cry on the cross, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" It explores how this moment, rooted in Psalm 22, reveals a deeper divine plan for salvation and offers hope amidst suffering. The discussion highlights how Jesus's words serve as a...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the significance of family and devotion in the context of Jesus' last words, particularly focusing on the relationship between Mary and John. They discuss the importance of community, the role of Mary as a spiritual mother, and practical ways to incorporate devotion to Mary in daily life, emphasizing the need for...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the concept of paradise, both in personal experiences and in the context of scripture. They discuss the importance of faith in daily life, the role of fathers in nurturing faith within families, and the significance of love and surrender in the journey towards heaven. The conversation emphasizes that l...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the theme of forgiveness as they enter the Lenten season. They discuss the significance of Christ's words from the cross, emphasizing the importance of forgiving others and oneself. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the challenges of forgiveness in daily life and offer pra...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the meaning and purpose of Lent, challenging the traditional views of self-denial and drudgery. They emphasize the importance of understanding the 'why' behind Lent, encouraging listeners to transform their practices into opportunities for growth and connection with Christ. The conversation highlights practic...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the deeper meaning of love, particularly in the context of Valentine's Day. They discuss how love is often portrayed as a simple act of giving gifts, but true love requires effort, sacrifice, and intentionality. The hosts emphasize the importance of making love a daily commitment, rather than a one-time event...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, hosts Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the deep-rooted traditions of Western Pennsylvania, particularly focusing on Groundhog Day and its surprising connections to the Catholic Church. They discuss the significance of family in faith, the importance of presenting oneself and one's family to God, and how everyday actions can serve...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough discuss the significance of new beginnings in life, faith, and family. They reflect on the March for Life, the importance of inviting God into our new starts, and how every phase of life presents opportunities for growth and transformation. The conversation emphasizes the need to embrace change, recognize the...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the significance of minor characters in the Christmas story, reflecting on their roles and the lessons they impart. They discuss the feelings of insignificance many experience in their lives and how to find purpose in the shadows. Personal stories of struggle highlight the importance of recognizing one...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough discuss the challenges and joys of daily life, particularly during the gloomy winter months. They explore the significance of ordinary time in the church calendar, emphasizing the beauty of routine and the importance of finding joy in the mundane. The conversation delves into how to sanctify everyday tasks and transform repeti...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the themes of cultural heritage, family gatherings, and the significance of the Epiphany. They discuss how the journey of the wise men symbolizes the importance of recognizing God's presence in our lives, surrendering to His will, and taking steps of faith. The conversation emphasizes the need for...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Martin and Brian discuss the transition from the festive excitement of Christmas to the post-holiday reality. They reflect on the significance of Christmas traditions, the importance of delayed gratification, and how to find the sacred in everyday life. The conversation emphasizes the need to focus on the eternal aspects of Christmas and how to maintain th...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this final episode of the Advent series, Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the theme of love as the culmination of their journey through hope, peace, and joy. They delve into the different meanings of love, particularly through the lens of the Christmas story, emphasizing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and the role of Mary and her heart of love. The conversation e...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the profound connection between Christian joy and the act of sharing the gospel. They discuss how joy is not merely an emotion but a result of actively participating in God's mission. The conversation highlights the example of the shepherds from the Christmas story, who exemplified immediate joy through their acti...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground , Brian Hough and Martin Watjen discuss the importance of making space for Jesus in our lives amidst the hustle, bustle, and chaos of our holiday preparation activities. They emphasize that while festivities and gifts have their place, true peace comes from intentionally creating room in our hearts for Jesus... He who is the King of Peace....

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the importance of focusing on spiritual preparation for Christmas, emphasizing the need to balance worldly expectations with a deeper sense of joy and hope in anticipation of the Lord's birth. Takeaways The anticipation of joy and hope is essential during Christmas. Focusing on spiritual preparati...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground , Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the meaning of evangelization and emphasize the importance of witnessing in teaching others. The hosts note that people are more likely to listen to those who genuinely care and understand them and discuss how forcing beliefs or debating often alienates people, while relational approaches rooted in em...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the concept of perfection from a spiritual perspective, contrasting worldly ideals with the divine call to authenticity and emulation of Jesus. They emphasizes that true perfection is not found in material success or societal standards. True perfection is only found in Christ.  We must constantly strive for His st...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore themes of manhood, spirituality, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of nurturing one's spiritual life, using the analogy of a dull axe to illustrate the need for preparation and prayer. The conversation emphasizes the value of being active participants in life, rather than mere spect...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In “The Reality 'Bubble',” hosts Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the profound spiritual dimensions that often go unnoticed in everyday life. They reflect on how faith reveals deeper truths beneath the surface of our experiences, encouraging listeners to see beyond the material and embrace the mystery of God's presence. Through Scripture, personal insig...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the concept of charisms, or spiritual gifts, that are given by the Holy Spirit to every baptized person. They discuss the difference between natural talents and charisms, emphasizing that charisms are meant to be used for the common good and to build up the church. The hosts share personal experiences...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, hosts Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the themes of childhood, the transition to adulthood, and the importance of maintaining a childlike spirit in faith. They reflect on personal experiences with Halloween, the innocence of youth, and the lessons learned from children, including the significance of thankfulness and the Beatitudes. T...

Send us Fan Mail Summary : In this episode of "Higher Ground," hosts Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the profound impact of faith and community on personal growth and mission work. Broadcasting from Texas, they share their excitement for the Pentecost Today USA National Catholic Charismatic Conference and their enriching encounters with fellow believers in Dallas. The conversation...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the beauty of the fall season and the significance of symbols in our lives, particularly focusing on the sign of the cross. They discuss how clothing and personal symbols reflect our identities and beliefs, and emphasize the importance of being intentional in our expressions of faith. Takeaways We ofte...