Podcasts about exaltation

Anchored in the Word Morning Reflection: Season 5 Episode 28 Celebrating the Greatness of Christ: Exaltation Ephesians 1:18-23 #morningreflections #Christ #greatness #maturity

Christ Brings Us To God 1 Peter 3:18-22 NKJV 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. I. Christ Brings Us to God Christ's Crucifixion Gives Us Admission, Access And Audience With God Hebrews 10:19-20 says, 9 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh The ultimate reason for Jesus' suffering was to bring you to God. Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. You are that joy! Revelation 21: 3-4, describing the New Heaven and the New Earth says, 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” The Resurrection Gives Us A New Perspective On Suffering. II. The Exaltation of Christ Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Phil. 2:5 says, Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Phil. 2:8-11 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Romans 8:18 the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  

It is clear that the young man Saul was not seeking Jesus while on the road to Damascus. Saul was committed to putting an end to the preaching about Jesus and the growth of his church. But Jesus met Saul on that road and revealed himself to him. Jesus called, converted, and commissioned Saul. Jesus did it all, so all the glory belongs to him. From Saul's conversion account we exalt Jesus Christ for his saving power and grace. Grace Community Church exists to build spiritually healthy people for ministry in the world. One of the ways that we pursue this mission is by gathering each Sunday for corporate worship, prayer, and biblical teaching. The corporate nature of this gathering is both edifying to the believer and a witness of God's grace to the world. Sermon speaker is Scott Patty unless otherwise noted.

This is a major astrology week as Saturn prepares to make its final exit from Pisces for the next 29 years, crossing the threshold into bold, initiating Aries. Once there, Saturn joins Neptune, setting the stage for their rare and historic conjunction later this month—a moment that signals the birth of a new cycle of vision, responsibility, and collective direction. Adding a softer note to the cosmic symphony, Venus slips into Pisces, one of her most beloved signs, where love, beauty, and compassion flow with ease in her place of exaltation. Curious how all of this might show up in your life? Tune in to The Golden Astrologer Podcast and explore the astrology of the week ahead.

Rock Point Church exists to glorify God by leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Did you miss last Sunday or just want to hear it again? Check out our sermons here on the Rock Point Sermons podcast!

PSALMS 111–113 — PRAISE, COVENANT REMEMBRANCE, RIGHTEOUS STABILITY, AND YAHUAH'S EXALTATIONEvening MessageTeacher: Kerry BattleAhava ~ Love AssemblyThis evening Torah message covers Psalms 111 through 113, a unified progression of covenant praise, remembrance, upright stability, and Yahuah's exaltation over all creation.These Psalms are not emotional poetry. They are covenant formation. The Writings witness Torah, call Israel to fear, and define what righteousness produces in the life of the set-apart remnant.Psalm 111 establishes that the fear of Yahuah begins with remembering His works and honoring His covenant.Psalm 112 shows the fruit of that fear, stability, obedience, generosity, and endurance against the wicked.Psalm 113 exalts Yahuah as the Most High who still attends to the lowly, raising the poor and restoring households by covenant mercy.This message is taught with judicial clarity, precept upon precept, and requires a lawful response.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS MESSAGEPraise in the Assembly, Not Private ReligionPsalm 111Praise belongs in the gathered order of the upright, not isolated spirituality. Covenant people worship publicly in truth and remembrance.The Works of Yahuah Are Studied, Not ForgottenPsalm 111The remnant does not admire Yahuah's acts, they study them. Forgetting produces rebellion. Memory is obedience.Covenant Provision and Command Are JoinedPsalm 111Yahuah provides for those who fear Him, and His provision is governed by covenant order, not entitlement.The Fear of Yahuah is the Beginning of WisdomPsalm 111Wisdom begins with trembling submission. No fear, no wisdom. No obedience, no understanding.The Righteous Man Produced by Covenant FearPsalm 112Blessing is attached to delight in commandments. Upright men are stable in darkness and unshaken under trial.Generosity as Covenant Order, Not Charity CulturePsalm 112Giving is covenant justice and stewardship. Ordered care among the set-apart, not forced redistribution.Separation Revealed by OppositionPsalm 112The wicked grind their teeth against righteousness. Distinction returns. Opposition proves separation.Yahuah Exalted, Yet Near the LowlyPsalm 113The Most High humbles Himself to behold the poor, raising them from the dust and seating them with princes.Household Restoration as Covenant FruitPsalm 113Fruitfulness and restoration are governed by Yahuah's mercy, not human control. He builds households by covenant order.WHY THIS MESSAGE MATTERSCovenant praise is public and orderedRemembrance is obedienceFear is the beginning of wisdomRighteousness produces stabilityGiving is governed by Torah justiceOpposition reveals separationYahuah lifts the lowly by covenant mercyHouseholds are restored by His handThese Psalms train the remnant to live upright, fear Yahuah without hypocrisy, and trust His exaltation and governance in every condition.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR STUDYPsalms 111–113Deuteronomy 31Exodus 13Deuteronomy 4Deuteronomy 8Proverbs 1Ecclesiastes 12Isaiah 66Psalm 1Deuteronomy 28Psalm 37Deuteronomy 15Psalm 2Malachi 3Isaiah 571 Samuel 1–2Genesis 21Isaiah 54Revelation 7Every section is taught precept upon precept.ABOUT AHAVA ~ LOVE ASSEMBLYWe teach the Pure Word of Yahuah.No religion.No tradition.No compromise.Our teaching follows the Sovereign Blueprint:Law | Precept | Example | Wisdom | Understanding | Prudence | Conviction | Fruit of the Ruach | Final Heart CheckSUPPORT THE WORK — GIVE VIA ZELLEZelle QR at: ahavaloveministry.comZelle only. No CashApp. No PayPal.FINAL WORDThe remnant must praise without forgetting.Fear without hypocrisy.Walk upright without shaking.And trust Yahuah to lift the lowly in His appointed time.Final Heart Check:Do you praise without forgetting, fear without hypocrisy, walk upright without shaking, and trust Yahuah to lift the lowly in His appointed time?

This is the third lesson in Dr. Lane G. Tipton's Reformed Academy course, The Theology of Heaven in the Book of Hebrews. This lesson covers the following topics: 00:00 The Biblical Account of the Ascension in Acts 1:9–11 03:31 The Ascended and Enthroned Christ in Colossians 3:1–2, Hebrews 8:1 and Revelation 4 10:14 Christ's Exaltation and the Outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2:32–33 Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to dozens of additional video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedacademy.org/course/th... Your donations help us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you worldwide: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #heaven #hebrews #reformedtheology #biblestudy

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen starts a series on Philippians.There are passages in Scripture that don't just challenge us, they expose us. This is one of them. It confronts how we naturally think about ourselves: our instincts toward pride, and our need to measure, compare, and protect.Paul doesn't offer a self-improvement plan here. Instead, he gives us a picture of Jesus. One who didn't cling to status, but chose the downward path by humbling Himself all the way to the cross.And Paul says this is the way forward for unity, for joy, and for real change. Not by thinking better of ourselves. But by thinking less of ourselves as we fix our eyes on Christ.So let's open this text honestly, knowing we're being invited into something costly, but also something that's really good.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on January 25, 2026, at 9:30am. You can find us online at nwhills.com.Key Moments(00:00) Welcome(01:12) Message: Embracing Genuine Humility(06:26) Paul's Message to the Philippians(09:12) Understanding Humility in Context(14:09) Cultural Perspectives on Humility(17:17) The Path to True Humility(20:15) The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ(24:01) Understanding Life, Death, and the Afterlife(29:04) The Final Judgment and Our Response(35:09) A Call to Humility and Unity

When God's people celebrate judgment, it is a completely different song It is a song of... 1.  Exaltation 18:20 2. Vindication     18:21-24 3.  Affirmation 19:1-3    Hallel (praise) + Yah (Yahweh) = Hallelujah  Praise Yahweh! - God's people affirm:   What He Has  What He Does  What He Did  He has judged Babylon  He has avenged His servants  He has done so permanently and eternally 4. Participation 19:4-5  

Welcome to the Celestial Insights Podcast, the show that brings the stars down to Earth! Each week, astrologer, coach, and intuitive Celeste Brooks of Astrology by Celeste will be your guide. Her website is astrologybyceleste.com.  

12/21/2025 - John McNamee

As Christians, may we follow Christ's example of humility.

21/12/2025 – Evening Service Rev Robert Walker Philippians 2:1-11 The post The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ appeared first on Hope Church Blackwood & Kirkmuirhill.

This passage proclaims the exaltation of Jesus Christ by God the Father, who has given Him the name above every name. Because of His obedience and work of salvation, all creation—heavenly, earthly, and under the earth—will one day bow before Him. Every tongue will openly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, acknowledging His absolute authority and kingship. This universal confession ultimately brings glory to God the Father, revealing that Christ's exaltation fulfills God's redemptive plan.

Soren establishes both the reality of Christ's Humiliation and His Exaltation. It is exaltation through humiliation. Both are required for an understanding of how God used what looked like overwhelming defeat for ultimate victory. An application of what this looks like in our own lives is explored.

Sermon Outline Small Group Questions

I. A king who is all-seeing II. A king who is everywhere III. A king who is all-knowing IV. A king who is ever-holy

Welcome to Day 2737 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2737 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 92:8-15 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2737 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred thirty-seven of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Eternal Exaltation and the Flourishing Righteous Today, we conclude our journey through Psalm Ninety-two, the beautiful Song for the Sabbath Day.   We are covering the final, triumphant verses, eight through fifteen, in the New Living Translation. In our last conversation, we affirmed that it is "good to give thanks to the Lord," proclaiming His Unfailing Love in the morning and His Faithfulness in the evening (Psalm Ninety-two, verses one through four).   We wrestled with the temporary flourishing of the wicked—who "sprout like grass"—but concluded that they are destined to be "destroyed forever," for God's thoughts are simply "deeper than anyone can comprehend" (Psalm Ninety-two, verses five through seven). Now, the psalm moves to its magnificent climax.   It declares the eternal nature of God's sovereignty, contrasts the certain ruin of His foes with the flourishing destiny of the righteous, and celebrates the lifelong vitality of those who trust in the Most High.   This final section is a powerful declaration of vindication and blessing, a perfect capstone to the Sabbath celebration. So, let us open our hearts to this triumphant assurance, embracing the destiny of the righteous and the certainty of God's eternal rule. The first segment is: The Eternal Judgment and the Exaltation of the Righteous Psalm Ninety-two: verses eight through eleven But you, O Lord, will remain supreme forever.  Your enemies, Lord, will be destroyed;  all evil doers will be scattered.  But you have made me as strong as a wild ox;  you have poured olive oil on my head.  My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;  my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked foes. After acknowledging the fleeting power of the wicked, the psalmist immediately shifts focus to the unchanging reality of God's reign: "But you, O Lord, will remain supreme forever." The "But" is the most important word in the psalm, signaling the ultimate pivot from the temporary to the eternal.   The wicked are ephemeral, but God "will remain supreme forever."   This affirms His sovereignty over all time and space, including His supreme position over the Divine Council, guaranteeing that His justice will prevail. Because God is eternally supreme, the fate of His enemies is sealed: "Your enemies, Lord, will be destroyed; all evil doers will be scattered." This is a prophetic certainty, a final judgment that will

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at motivating you to apply God's word while strengthening your heart and nurturing your soul. Today's Bible reading is Philippians 2:1–11. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. Browse other resources from Jen Wilkin. ESV Bible narration read by Kristyn Getty. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

This episode, Soren writes quite a bit about "Indirect Communication" as a reality of Christ willing to be Incognito. The footnote comments by translator Walter Lowrie are helpful in this matter. Also discuss the ramifications of having a Theology of Exaltation versus a Theology of the Cross. How human beings can twist this into dangerous political movements. Using the sword to compel beliefs.

This week Pastor John Starke preaches from Ephesians 5:21-33, continuing in our sermon series "The Ache of Being Human".

The Keys of Exaltation: What You Must Know from D&C 129–132 | Apostle D. Todd HarrisonI testify as one commissioned directly by Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:1) that the revelations in Doctrine and Covenants 129–132 are true. They are eternal. They are binding.I witness that God is a glorified, resurrected Being of flesh and bones. Angels always have and still currently minister to mortal beings. Eternal marriage is an essential covenant. Exaltation is conditional upon keeping the Lord's laws and commandments. And the principles taught in Doctrine and Covenants 129-132 are the very path to godhood.In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.Apostle of Jesus Christ – D. Todd HarrisonJesus Christ's Apostle to All Nations and GenerationsYear Six of Global Apostolic MinistryCommissioned by Jesus Christ (like Paul — Galatians 1:1)The Most-Followed LDS Religious Leader on Facebook (1 Corinthians 9:1–3)

This greatest of Christian orators is commemorated not only today, but as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (with St Basil the Great and St Gregory the Theologian) on January 30.   He was born in Antioch to pious parents around 345. His mother was widowed at the age of twenty, and devoted herself to rearing her son in piety. He received his literary and oratorical training from the greatest pagan teachers of the day. Though an illustrious and profitable career as a secular orator was open to him, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. He lived as a monk from 374 to 381, eventually dwelling as a hermit in a cave near Antioch. Here his extreme ascetic practices ruined his health, so that he was forced to return to Antioch, where he was ordained to the priesthood. In Antioch his astonishing gifts of preaching first showed themselves, earning him the epithet Chrysostomos, "Golden-mouth", by which he became universally known. His gifts became so far-famed that he was chosen to succeed St Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken to Constantinople secretly (some say he was actually kidnapped) to avoid the opposition of the Antiochian people to losing their beloved preacher. He was made Patriarch of Constantinople in 398.   Archbishop John shone in his sermons as always, often censuring the corrupt morals and luxurious living of the nobility. For this he incurred the anger of the Empress Eudoxia, who had him exiled to Pontus in 403. The people protested by rioting, and the following night an earthquake shook the city, so frightening the Empress that she had Chrysostom called back. The reconciliation was short-lived. Saint John did not at all moderate the intensity of his sermons, and when the Empress had a silver statue of herself erected outside the Great Church in 403, accompanied by much revelry, the Patriarch spoke out against her, earning her unforgiving anger. In 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, near Armenia. When Pope Innocent of Rome interceded on his behalf, the imperial family only exiled him further, to a town called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was so difficult and his guards so cruel that the frail Archbishop gave up his soul to God before reaching his final place of exile, in 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things."   Saint John Chrysostom is the author of more written works than any other Church Father: his works include 1,447 recorded sermons, 240 epistles, and complete commentaries on Genesis, the Gospels of Matthew and John, the Acts of the Apostles, and all the Epistles of St Paul.   His repose was on September 14, but since that is the date of the Exaltation of the Cross, his commemoration has been transferred to this day.

This greatest of Christian orators is commemorated not only today, but as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (with St Basil the Great and St Gregory the Theologian) on January 30.   He was born in Antioch to pious parents around 345. His mother was widowed at the age of twenty, and devoted herself to rearing her son in piety. He received his literary and oratorical training from the greatest pagan teachers of the day. Though an illustrious and profitable career as a secular orator was open to him, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. He lived as a monk from 374 to 381, eventually dwelling as a hermit in a cave near Antioch. Here his extreme ascetic practices ruined his health, so that he was forced to return to Antioch, where he was ordained to the priesthood. In Antioch his astonishing gifts of preaching first showed themselves, earning him the epithet Chrysostomos, "Golden-mouth", by which he became universally known. His gifts became so far-famed that he was chosen to succeed St Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken to Constantinople secretly (some say he was actually kidnapped) to avoid the opposition of the Antiochian people to losing their beloved preacher. He was made Patriarch of Constantinople in 398.   Archbishop John shone in his sermons as always, often censuring the corrupt morals and luxurious living of the nobility. For this he incurred the anger of the Empress Eudoxia, who had him exiled to Pontus in 403. The people protested by rioting, and the following night an earthquake shook the city, so frightening the Empress that she had Chrysostom called back. The reconciliation was short-lived. Saint John did not at all moderate the intensity of his sermons, and when the Empress had a silver statue of herself erected outside the Great Church in 403, accompanied by much revelry, the Patriarch spoke out against her, earning her unforgiving anger. In 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, near Armenia. When Pope Innocent of Rome interceded on his behalf, the imperial family only exiled him further, to a town called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was so difficult and his guards so cruel that the frail Archbishop gave up his soul to God before reaching his final place of exile, in 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things."   Saint John Chrysostom is the author of more written works than any other Church Father: his works include 1,447 recorded sermons, 240 epistles, and complete commentaries on Genesis, the Gospels of Matthew and John, the Acts of the Apostles, and all the Epistles of St Paul.   His repose was on September 14, but since that is the date of the Exaltation of the Cross, his commemoration has been transferred to this day.

Send us a textAnd whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Matthew 23:12I'm so glad the Lord looks on the heart. That is where the truth lives and abides! It so important to keep a spirit of humility no matter what stage you are in life.  In this episode, I will talk about the benefits walking and humility and more! I hope you enjoy this one. -MJ

Humble Exaltation sermon by Rev. Dr. David Brown on October 26, 2025, from St. Francis Episcopal Church in Palos Verdes Estates, CA.Wayfarers Chapel is an Ecumenical Ministry of the Swedenborgian Church and the National Memorial to Emanuel Swedenborg located in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. The chapel was dismantled in 2024 due to land movement issues. We are currently attempting to relocate and rebuild the chapel. Visit our website for more information about a new online community called Exploring New Earth. The title of this online community is an exploration into the deeper spiritual states of consciousness that has been a prophecy of both the Old and New Testaments in the Bible. https://www.wayfarerschapel.org/services/worship/exploring-new-earth/Support the show

Part 6 When a Christian is asked to explain why heaven will be heaven for him, it does not take him long to give his answer.  Heaven will be heaven because God is there!  Yet, when a Mormon is asked to explain the hope that they have in Christ, their whole concept of eternity is fashioned by the doctrine of Exaltation, namely the belief that man might one day become a god, possessing all power, glory, dominion, and knowledge. For the Bible believing Christian, the leap from man to God is an eternal gulf that can never be spanned.  Man will never be God for the simple reason that God is the creator and man is the created.  However, in an ever-evolving universe, Mormons believe that God the Father was once a man who, through specific actions, achieved exaltation himself.  If such a formidable feat were possible for God, then the Mormon hope is that it is also possible through Christ for them.  The purpose of this sixth teaching is to understand the Mormon position and examine such claims in light of Holy Scripture.   Download teaching notes (pdf) https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bethesdashalom/6_The_Doctrine_of_Man_.pdf

St. Paul found his call to live in humility in the example of Christ's humility, by which He has won salvation for sinners. Although Jesus truly is God, He did not seek His own interests in claiming those rights for His own. Instead, He made Himself nothing as a servant for our sakes, going to the most shameful death of crucifixion. For that reason, God exalted Christ to the highest place in His resurrection and ascension. Now His name is the greatest name, the One that alone brings salvation, the One at which every knee will one day bow.  Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hanover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philippians 2:5-11.  To learn more about St. Peter and Zion Lutheran, visit stpeterzion.org. “Letters from Prison” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Even when Paul was imprisoned for the sake of Christ, the Word of God remained unbound. The apostle's letters from prison still fill us with the same joy that his chains could never silence. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

This week our IN the Scriptures episode features Jeremy and Sara Kerrigan.After nearly two decades of marriage, Jeremy came out as gay. Though the couple later divorced, they continue to share deep friendship, faith, and love for each other and their five children.Together with host Clare Dalton, they discuss Doctrine & Covenants 124-136, exploring temple covenants, eternal relationships, and how our understanding of God grows through lived experience.#AllOutInTheOpen #INtheScriptures #DoctrineAndCovenants #FaithJourney #LGBTQ #Marriage #EternalFamilies 

This week Fr. Michael reflects on the Gospel from the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. He discovered that the root word means both shame and exalt or lift up, and he compares those in relation to how we live out our lives. He talks about bringing shame to Christ by our actions and inactions, and what it means that Christ will be ashamed of us if we shame Him.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross - The Awakening by Fr. Josh Waltz

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. He describes in detail the true horror of this means of execution and what it meant to be crucified in the time of Jesus. But he also talks about the great love that God has for us in embracing the Cross for our sake and what it means for us today. A very powerful reflection. The post Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In the midst of several recent high profile murders we gaze at the Cross of Christ, whose triumph inspires us to humbly engage one another with charity. (Lectionary #638) September 13, 2025 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Homily from the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy CrossThe sign of our shame has become the symbol of our hope. The Cross of Jesus is God's answer to our guilt. The Cross of Jesus is God's answer to our lack of trust. The Cross of Jesus is God's answer to evil. Mass Readings from September 14, 2025:Numbers 21:4b-9Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38Philippians 2:6-11 John 3:13-17

Read OnlineFor God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.  John 3:16–17If Jesus would never have given His life on a cross for the salvation of the world, then a cross would never have been seen in “exultation.” A cross, in and of itself, is an instrument of death, a horrific and violent death. It's also an instrument of humiliation and torture. Yet, today, the Cross is seen as a holy and blessed object. We hang crosses in our homes, wear them around our neck, keep them in our pocket on the end of the rosary, and spend time in prayer before them. The Cross is now an exalted image by which we turn to God in prayer and surrender. But that is only the case because it was on a cross that we were saved and brought to eternal life.If you step back and consider the amazing truth that one of the worst instruments of torture and death is now seen as one of the holiest of images on earth, it should be awe inspiring. Comprehending this fact should lead us to the realization that God can do anything and everything. God can use the worst and transform it into the best. He can use death to bring forth life. Though our celebration today, the “Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross,” is first and foremost a feast by which we give glory to the Father for what He did in the Person of His divine Son, it is also a feast by which we must humbly understand that God can “exalt” every cross we endure in life and bring forth much grace through them. What is your heaviest cross? What is the source of your greatest suffering? Most likely, as you call this to mind, it is painful to you. Most often, our crosses and sufferings are things we seek to rid ourselves of. We easily point to crosses in life and blame them for a lack of happiness. We can easily think that if only this or that were to change or be removed, then our life would be better. So what is that cross in your life? The truth is that whatever your heaviest cross is, there is extraordinary potential for that cross to become an actual source of grace in your life and in the world. But this is only possible if you embrace that cross in faith and hope so that our Lord can unite it to His and so that your crosses can also share in the exaltation of Christ's Cross. Though this is a profoundly deep mystery of faith, it is also a profoundly deep truth of our faith. Reflect, today, upon your own crosses. As you do, try not to see them as a burden. Instead, realize the potential within those crosses. Prayerfully look at your crosses as invitations to share in Christ's Cross. Say “Yes” to your crosses. Choose them freely. Unite them to Christ's Cross. As you do, have hope that God's glory will come forth in your life and in the world through your free embrace of them. Know that these “burdens” will be transformed and become a source of exaltation in your life by the transforming power of God. My exalted Lord, I turn to You in my need and with the utmost faith in Your divine power to save. Please give me the grace I need to fully embrace every cross in my life with hope and faith in You. Please transform my crosses so that You will be exalted through them and so that they will become an instrument of Your glory and grace. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via UnsplashSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Friends, this year, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross falls on a Sunday, so we have the great privilege of reflecting a bit more deeply on this marvelous and, frankly, disconcerting and odd feast. The Roman cross was a horrific, terrifying symbol of tyrannical power. And yet the first Christians emerge exalting the cross of Jesus. They don't hide it or pretend he died some other way; on the contrary, Saint Paul says, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” How do we begin to explain this?