Podcasts about Holy Cross

The start of the 2025–26 season is almost upon us. Billy and Kevin take stock of Providence's two exhibition games, including the strong play of Duncan Powell and freshman Jamier Jones. The guys also talk about their biggest concerns heading into the season, what they feel most confident about, and what they'd like to see against Holy Cross in Monday's opener.

St. Paul has not yet reached the resurrection, but he strains forward in the life that he has from Christ right now in anticipation of the Lord's gift on the Last Day. The Lord leads His people toward that goal, working through Scripture, prayer, and suffering. The Apostle calls the Philippians to imitate him in this way of life, rather than falling prey to those who set themselves as enemies of Christ. Instead, Christians must live and stand firm as citizens of heaven, holding to the One who reigns over all things, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philippians 3:12-4:1.  To learn more about Holy Cross, visit holycrosswarda.com. “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

In this episode of 'Sader Stories Kevin Gehl sits down with Ed Kutschke '86 to talk about his introduction to the Varsity Club Hall of Fame, how he chose Holy Cross, and his experience watching his son play for the Crusaders.

Ian Auzenne and Coach Lou Valdin hosted WWL's weekly "Prep Football Roundup," live from St. Charles Catholic's district showdown against Belle Chasse. The guys spoke to WWL reporters live at the best games around the state, including John Curtis at Jesuit, Archbishop Rummel at Holy Cross, and Hammond at Covington, among others. They heard from winning head coaches after those games concluded.

Professor Melissa Moschella of the University of Notre Dame joins us to discuss the contents of her recently published book titled, "Ethics, Politics, and Natural Law: Principles for Human Flourishing." A rich yet cogent articulation of New Natural Law Theory (NNLT), Moschella's work has been described as "the clearest, most readable exposition and defense of contemporary natural law theory yet to appear" by Dr. Robert George. Professor Moschella provides an overview of the ideas in her book with respect to the subject of parental rights and two recent landmark decisions currently shaping its discourse. Melissa Moschella is Professor of the Practice in Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame's McGrath Institute for Church Life. Her work spans the fields of ethics, political philosophy, and law, and her areas of special expertise include natural law theory, biomedical ethics, and the family, especially parental rights. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College, earned a Licentiate in Philosophy summa cum laude from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, and received her Ph.D. in Political Philosophy from Princeton University. 

WED 10-22Parent-Teacher Conferences start tonight, Powerpuff on Thursday, plenty of events coming up for Spirit Week.Thank you bus drivers for all they do, especially those that drop you off at 7AM and then again @9PM at night. Those are some long days.AI is getting a hold on how you search. Darien CT gets a new flag. And Woodland Volleyball beats Holy Cross in five sets.We're back on Monday!

The worldwide head of the Dominican Order celebrated mass in Killacloghane Wood this weekend to mark the 372nd anniversary of the execution of a local Dominican priest. Castlemaine native and Prior of Tralee, Fr. Tadhg Moriarty, OP, was arrested while saying Mass in Killacloghane Wood, near Milltown in August 1653. He was later martyred by Cromwellian forces at Fair Hill in Killarney on October 15th 1653. Treasa is joined by Fr John and by the Prior of Holy Cross, Fr David McGovern.

Recorded 10.12.25      

In this episode of the JMU Sports News Podcast, hosts Bennett Conlin and Jack Fitzpatrick analyze JMU's recent football game, discussing the offense's struggles, the defense's strengths, and the inconsistency of the quarterback play. They highlight the importance of the upcoming game against ODU and the need for improvement in red zone efficiency and fourth down conversions. The conversation reflects on the team's potential while addressing the frustrations of fans regarding performance inconsistencies. In this episode, Jack Fitzpatrick and Bennett Conlin delve into the recent performances of JMU football, analyzing matchups against Holy Cross and Fordham, discussing quarterback strategies, and addressing listener questions. They explore the challenges of student engagement during games, innovative ideas for enhancing the game day experience, and the implications of the coaching carousel on the team's future. The conversation also touches on predictions for the remainder of the season and updates on other JMU sports teams. Follow us on Twitter Subscribe on Youtube Check out our website!  Like what you hear? Buy us a coffee (or beer...)  Leave us a review! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode's guest hails from Maranatha's inception. In fact, he met the Brothers of the Holy Cross who sold the campus to MBU. Dr. Bob Griffin reflects on the early days—transferring from Pillsbury, meeting his wife (plus how a bowl of melted ice cream landed in his lap), and the quandary of what to do after graduation. Bob defines his mission as willingness to be a servant, and host Dr. Matt Davis prompts him to explain how the Lord employs desires, preparation, and counsel to direct His will. Bob mentions his US Navy chaplaincy that ended before it began and how an inner-city boy pastored a rural church with 13 members, six of whom died within a year. They discuss unexpected opportunities to advance his education, how the Lord sustained when Bob's wife developed a terminal condition. Bob recounts poignant financial extremities and how the Lord surprised them, how his wife's illness triggered new pursuits, and now how the Lord allows continued opportunities to serve despite a stroke. A servant has no will, Bob states. Humility is key, which results in peace.

Sophomore wide receiver Andreas Hill relives his first collegiate touchdown and 100-yard receiving game when he joins Voice of the Spiders Bob Black and Director of Football Public Relations Christian Gravius on this week's podcast.  There's talk about all the big plays from the Spiders' victory at Colgate, their first-ever Patriot League win.  Bob and Christian also preview Saturday's 2pm homecoming game at Robins Stadium against Holy Cross.  Recorded October 14, 2025.

Ian Auzenne and Coach Lou Valdin co-hosted WWL's weekly "Prep Football Roundup." The guys spoke to WWL listeners live at the best games around the state, including St. Augustine at Jesuit, John Curtis at Holy Cross, and Alexandria at West Monroe, among others. Ian interviewed Seth Lewis, a local reporter for WWL-TV, about the first half of the high school football season. They heard from winning coaches after week six concluded.

Soccer leagues around the world use a promotion-and-relegation system to reward the best teams and punish the worst. We ask whether American sports fans would enjoy a similar system. (Part two of a two-part series.) SOURCES:Domonique Foxworth, sports analyst and former N.F.L. player.Stefan Szymanski, professor of sport management at the University of Michigan.Victor Matheson, professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross. RESOURCES:"'Root, root, root for the home team" did TV kill minor league baseball in the 1950s?" by Stefan Szymanski (University of Michigan, 2025)."European and North American Sports Differences (?): A Quarter Century on," by Stefan Szymanski (Principles and Paradoxes of Sports Economics, 2024).National Pastime: How Americans Play Baseball and the Rest of the World Plays Soccer, by Stefan Szymanski and Andrew Zimbalist (2006). EXTRAS:"When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee? (Update)," by Freakonomics Radio (2025)."The Longest Long Shot," by Freakonomics Radio (2016). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join us for an episode ON THE ROAD at Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida — home to a stunning Chapel. Development Director Nick Suszynski takes us inside this architectural and spiritual centerpiece, where sacred art, intentional design, and Catholic formation converge to shape generations of young men.Built in 2018 under the leadership of Jesuit's visionary team, the Chapel of the Holy Cross stands as a living expression of the school's Jesuit identity — filled with commissioned works from Spanish artist Raúl Berzosa, Italian marble, and breathtaking stained glass windows crafted by Conrad Schmitt Studios.Together, we explore how architecture can preach the Gospel and how philanthropy can transform not just a campus — but the lives of students and families for generations.Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow LAB the Podcast. Support / SponsorFor More Videos, Subscribe: @VUVIVOV3 | YouTubeFollow: @labthepodcast | @vuvivo_v3 | @zachjelliott FacebookEpisode Link: https://youtu.be/IwPNtPoQq28Jesuit Tampa: https://www.jesuittampa.org/Support the show

On this the Sunday after The Holy Cross, we hear in the Gospel Passage on this day, we hear "The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me...."Last Sunday we were offered basil and flowers from the Church, are we offering ourselves back to her?Listen...

For the past few Sundays, we have heard the following:Sept 7 Sunday before Holy Cross: "For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son..."Sep 21 Sunday after Holy Cross: ""If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."Sept 28: Had to do with obedience Click here for that SermonToday we hear something else, how we are to live, love and treat others...

Bishop Dolan joins us to talk about Sunday's Gospel. Sara Tellez shares her inspiring story about Catholic education and we'll meet two Holy Cross priests from Andre House You'll also get up to date on the latest news and events.   Special thanks to Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes for making this show possible.

Maria Morera Johnson interviews Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., the International Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries, about the upcoming Global Rosary for Peace. On Sunday, September 7, Holy Cross Family Ministries, in partnership with the University of Notre Dame and the Congregation of Holy Cross, hosted the 75th Anniversary of Father Peyton's Rosary Rally on Bond Quad on the campus of Notre Dame. Families from all over the country gathered to pray together, commemorating this great event! Harnessing this momentum, Holy Cross Family Ministries and the Congregation of Holy Cross are launching a Global Rosary for Peace at 10:00 AM Eastern Time (4:00 PM Rome Time) on October 22, 2025, the Memorial of Saint John Paul II. Saint John Paul II was famously devoted to the Blessed Mother. In his apostolic letter "On the Most Holy Rosary," released in 2003, the Mysteries of the Light were revealed, and devotion to the Rosary was reawakened.  Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., serves as the International Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries. In his role, Father Pinto will be representing Family Rosary leadership in the 16 countries outside of the United States that have active ministries serving the spiritual and prayer needs of families.   Links for this Episode:  Join the Global Rosary for Peace Read More About the Global Rosary for Peace

What if a university included among its common learning goals for its students, cultivating the practice of disciplined attention and becoming active participants in your holistic formation? That would mean, I suppose, that such a university would be interested and invested in not just what their graduates could do or produce, but also in who they become. Such an education would value the education of the heart alongside and integrated with the education of the mind. This would go a long way toward giving a fresh, persuasive response to the increasingly pressing questions of what is college really for and is it really worth it.These two learning goals – cultivating the practicing of disciplined attention and becoming active participants in your holistic formation – are in fact the stated goals of the newly launched first-year seminar at the University of Notre Dame. This is a course that every single Notre Dame student takes in their first semester of college, in a seminar setting comprised of 19 students, one instructor, and one peer leader. It is called the Moreau First-Year Seminar, named after the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Moreau. The seminar seeks to give students a common entry point for their collegiate education, an education that takes seriously the responsibility and privilege of pursuing a life well-lived.Joining me today to talk about this vision of education and the challenging project of creating a common yet substantive seminar for all undergraduate students is my friend and colleague, Professor Bill Mattison. Bill serves as the academic director of the Moreau Program, in addition to his role as Wilsey College Professor of moral theology and ethics.Follow-up Resources:Learn more about the Moreau First-Year Seminar at https://moreaufirstyear.nd.edu/ “In Search of a Full Life,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“Forming an Intentional College Culture, with Joe Wurtz,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“Becoming the Adult in the Room, with Sarah Pelrine,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“There is no such thing as winning at life, with Elizabeth Klein,” podcast episode via Church Life TodayChurch Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Ian Auzenne and Coach Lou Valdin co-hosted WWL's weekly "Prep Football Roundup" live from Destrehan vs. Terrebonne. The guys spoke to WWL reporters at the best games around the state, including Jesuit vs. Holy Cross, Lafayette Christian vs. Central, De La Salle vs. Archbishop Shaw, and St. Augustine vs. Edna Karr, among others. They also heard from winning coaches after the action in week five.

The N.F.L. is a powerful cartel with imperial desires. College football is about to undergo a financial reckoning. So maybe they should team up? (Part one of a two-part series.) SOURCES:DeMaurice Smith, former executive director of the National Football League Players Association.Domonique Foxworth, sports analyst and former N.F.L. player.Jeffrey Kessler, partner at the law firm of Winston & Strawn.Oliver Luck, sports executive and consultant.Victor Matheson, professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross. RESOURCES:Turf Wars: The Fight for the Soul of America's Game, by DeMaurice Smith (2025)."Is there a Case for Subsidizing Sports Stadiums?" by Victor Matheson (Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 2018). EXTRAS:"America's Hidden Duopoly," by Freakonomics Radio (2018)."Should the U.S. Merge With Mexico?" by Freakonomics Radio (2014). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to build a dominant offensive line, both in the NFL and from the ground up? Go deep into the trenches with one of the toughest and most intelligent players in Cincinnati Bengals history, Bruce Kozerski.   In this exclusive interview on "In the Trenches with Dave Lapham," the former Bengals captain and current championship-winning high school coach delivers a masterclass on the art of offensive line play. Kozerski shares the incredible story of starting the Holy Cross football program from nothing—practicing on a riverbank—and leading them to a State Championship in just 12 years. He breaks down his core philosophy of "five fingers make the fist," the importance of player intelligence, and provides an expert analysis of the current Bengals O-line under new coach Scott Peters.   The "Five Fingers" Philosophy: Kozerski's core principle for building a cohesive and dominant unit.   The Systematic Approach: An inside look at the new techniques and teaching methods being implemented by O-Line Coach Scott Peters.   Breaking Down the Roster: Kozerski's expert analysis of the Bengals' offensive line, from veterans like Orlando Brown Jr. and Ted Karras to rising stars.   From Scratch to State Champs: The unbelievable story of how Kozerski built the Holy Cross football program.   We want to thank Bruce for being a fantastic guest and for joining us today on In the Trenches with Dave Lapham brought to you by First Star Logistics. We also look forward to growing our new central channel, First Star Media Group, and having you fans follow us along the ride. A lot more content is coming soon so definitely hit that subscribe button so you never miss one of our uploads! As always Who Dey!   Want to win great prizes from First Star Logistics during the Bengals season? During the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals season, First Star Logistics will give away some great and unique prizes. Follow @FirstStarLog, @DLInTheTrenches, and @JoeGoodberry for details each week on how you can win.

Julia D'Agostino preaches for the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, inviting us to encounter one another with compassion and reminding us that even the smallest faith can reveal God's Reign breaking into our world: "I pray that we all may turn to our neighbor, encounter them, allow our hearts to break, and let the mercy of God work through us. Have faith, even if it be the size of a mustard seed. Because God's Kingdom will come on Earth as it is in Heaven."Julia D'Agostino (she/her) is a theologian drawn to Ignatian spirituality, the stories of women in the church, and the mystery of thin places. After earning a B.A. in English from the College of the Holy Cross, she followed “the God of surprises” into graduate studies at the Boston College Clough School of Theology & Ministry, where she completed both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology.Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/10052025 to learn more about Julia, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack shares an in-depth look at the Congregation of Holy Cross, the religious order that formed him as a priest. He explains the difference between diocesan and religious order priests, details the congregation's founding by Blessed Basil Moreau in France after the French Revolution, and highlights its missionary focus on education and serving people through difficult times.

St. Francis Catholic parish homily preached by Fr. Michael Casey. To learn more: www.stfranciscatholic.org

In this episode of 'Sader Stories Kevin Gehl sits down with multiple members of the Holy Cross community to discuss the recent partnership between Team IMPACT and Holy Cross.

Homily for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross by Fr. Stephen Hamilton.Reading 1 Numbers 21:4b-9Responsorial Psalm Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38Reading 2 Philippians 2:6-11Gospel John 3:13-17

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross  — How Should Christians Respond? 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sept. 14, 2025) This weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Cross, once a sign of suffering and death, has become for us the ultimate sign of hope: the place where God's love conquered sin and death. In light of recent tragedies, including the heartbreaking shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, how are we as Christians called to respond? With prayer — not as a last resort, but as a powerful act that lifts the suffering to God. Through the sacraments — especially the Eucharist and confession, where Christ's grace enters our broken world. By intentional relationships — reaching out, befriending, and witnessing God's love to those who may feel unseen. With courage as disciples — stepping out of our comfort zones to share the Gospel, even if it feels uncomfortable or seems to make only a small difference. The Cross reminds us that love is stronger than death, and Christ is stronger than violence. Even if it feels like there's just a 1% chance that our words or actions could help someone turn back to God, that 1% is worth it — because eternity is at stake. So we lift high the Cross: proclaiming the love of Christ, living as disciples with conviction, and trusting that God can transform even tragedy into hope.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sat down with Nick Lezynski, Linebackers Coach at Vanderbilt University. Coach Lezynski shares his coaching journey, from his playing days at Notre Dame to breaking into the profession at Holy Cross, and eventually reuniting with Clark Lea at Vanderbilt. He also dives into the importance of building strong relationships with players and coaches, and reflects on being named to the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.

The account of Jonah doesn't end with Nineveh's repentance; the prophet tells us his angry reaction. Jonah despises the LORD's forgiveness for “those people,” and so he despises the LORD. Yet the LORD calls Jonah back. The LORD first appoints a plant to give Jonah shade. Soon, however, the LORD appoints a worm to kill the plant and take away Jonah's shade, and then the LORD appoints an east wind to make Jonah miserable. When Jonah becomes angry over the plant, the LORD points out that Jonah has pity over something that he had not planted or grown. In the book's concluding question, the LORD calls Jonah, and all of us, to consider how great the LORD's compassion is for all people and all His creatures, whom He loves in His Son Jesus Christ.  Rev. James Helms, Jr., pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Greenbelt, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jonah 4:1-11.  To learn more about Holy Cross, visit myholycross.com. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus.  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

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrates the return of the Cross through the efforts of the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius against the Persians. However, only when Heraclius humbled himself by removing his royal raiment was he able to bring the Cross back into Jerusalem. At the same time, this feast reminds us of the cruciform structure of many churches, the present of crosses throughout, and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

The screenwriters Brian Gunn and Mark Gunn are cousins, and they grew up in the 1970s and '80s in a big Catholic extended family in St. Louis. The Gunns are an incredibly creative clan that has produced all sorts of actors and writers and directors, including Brian's brother James, who you might know as the director of the most recent “Superman” movie and the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise. Brian and Mark are both Jesuit educated twice over, alumni of St. Louis University High School and the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was during college that they started performing sketch comedy together, and they both moved to Los Angeles in the '90s to pursue Hollywood dreams. Since then, Brian and Mark have worked together on films and TV shows, including the family adventure movie “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and a 2019 superhero horror film called “Brightburn” featuring Elizabeth Banks. Their first project that made it big was a movie and series called “2gether,” which debuted on MTV in 2000. It was a hilarious parody of the boy band era of Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC and it was influential on the development of AMDG host Mike Jordan Laskey's sense of humor. The actors playing the boy band became an actual boy band themselves, opening for Britney Spears and hitting the Billboard charts with two different albums. If you are an elder millennial, all we have to say is, “I know my calculus,” and you'll sing back: “You plus me equals us.” Mike asked Brian and Mark about their family and their Jesuit education, how they work together as a writing team, and what it's like to work in the film industry. Mark and Brian also shared some creative tips they've learned in more than a quarter century in the trade. Finally, Mike couldn't let them go without reminiscing about “2gether” and marveling at the fact that 25 years after the movie's debut, the most popular film in the world right now is another movie about a fictional boy band. Though this new one is composed of demons and they're being hunted by a KPop girl group... Anyway, we think you'll enjoy this sneak peek into the lives of Hollywood screenwriters. www.jesuits.org/ www.beajesuit.org/ twitter.com/jesuitnews facebook.com/Jesuits instagram.com/wearethejesuits youtube.com/societyofjesus www.jesuitmedialab.org/

Suffering unites the sufferer with Jesus Christ and His Cross, which itself was meant to be saving and redeeming for all and helps us to be more sympathetic toward others who are suffering. Join us for Open Line Tuesday with Fr. Wade Menezes.

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  

The gospel story of the cross says this: Because of God's love the Son of God came into the world, and despite his actions of love, healing, and mercy, the Son of God was ultimately rejected, condemned, and crucified by a sinful world built upon violent power. And yet, in that moment, when the world did its very worst, the Crucified One was not condemning the world, but saving the world.

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.

Psalm 2 Psalm 8 Psalm 96 Galatians 2:19–3:7,13-14;6:14-16 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Psalm 63:2-9 Daniel 3:57-88,56 Psalm 149 Hebrews 2:9-10 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Psalm 23 Psalm 76 Ephesians 1:7-8 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Psalm 95 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Psalm 110:1-5,7 Psalm 116:10-19 Revelation 4:11;5:9,10,12 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

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?