Episode 2784: Loving the Cross - Morning Episode

Episode 434 St. Eusebius

Episode 1706: St Adelaide

Episode 1705: Sts. Ananias, Azarias and Misael
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Theology & Doctrine Hypostatic Union The union of Christ's divine and human natures in one Person.

Yesterday was the 3rd Sunday of advent (Hope) Guadete Sunday and the delivery of the 3rd session of Word Made Flesh. Well I thought I’d have enough time to get prepared for the session either with other things going on during the day and I was good to go other than I forgot to hit the record button on the zoom broadcast because I thought using the live stream feature would have been interesting. Stick with what you know. Neither worked and so that session was never recorded and those on the zoom call were the only ones to hear it.
I must say that rumble really needs to explain its live stream features much better to its broadcasting members. I didn’t find out until after that you need separate live streaming software. I must say that as good as some of the current technology is, is as bad it is. Very poor communication skills today. Oh well.
Loving the Cross and Living as Members of Christ's Mystical Body
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Welcome back to another episode of our podcast, where we reflect on traditional Catholic teachings and their profound impact on our daily lives. Today, we’ll explore the call to embrace the Cross, the beauty of the Mystical Body of Christ, and how our work whether mundane or extraordinary can be offered as a gift to God.
We’ll reflect on the words of St. Gianna Molla, Fr. Donald Calloway, and the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians, all of which shed light on our role as co-workers with Christ in His mission of salvation.
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Segment 1: Embracing the Cross
St. Gianna Molla once said:
"Let us love the Cross and let us remember that we are not alone in carrying it. God is helping us. And in God who is comforting us, as St. Paul says, we can do anything."
Reflection
• The Cross is central to our Catholic faith. It is not merely a symbol of suffering but one of love, redemption, and victory.
• St. Gianna reminds us that we are never alone in carrying our crosses. God Himself provides the strength and consolation we need to endure.
• St. Paul echoes this in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Whether we are facing personal struggles, challenges in our families, or broader cultural battles, we can trust in God’s sustaining presence.
Takeaway
• Consider the crosses you are carrying in your life today. Reflect on how God might be inviting you to see these challenges as opportunities to grow in holiness and to unite your suffering with Christ’s.
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Segment 2: The Mystical Body of Christ
Fr. Donald Calloway beautifully explains the concept of the Mystical Body of Christ:
"I love the mystical body metaphor because it helps us understand so many Catholic doctrines...Jesus continues His saving mission on earth through incorporating—embodying into His mystical body—men and women who allow themselves to become His members and co-workers."
Reflection
• The Church is not just an institution; it is a living, breathing organism animated by the Holy Spirit. As members of Christ’s Body, we each have a unique role to play.
• This metaphor helps us understand the permanence of the Church. It is not a human invention but a divine reality.
• Each member of the Mystical Body is essential. Just as the human body needs every part to function properly, so too does the Church rely on the contributions of each of her members.
Takeaway
• Reflect on your role within the Mystical Body. Are you actively contributing to the mission of the Church, or are there ways you could more fully live out your vocation as a co-worker with Christ?
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Segment 3: Working for the Lord
St. Paul writes in Colossians 3:23-25:
"Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance."
Reflection
• This passage is a reminder that every action, no matter how small, can be sanctified when offered to God. Whether we are caring for our families, performing our jobs, or serving our parishes, all work can become a prayer.
• St. Therese of Lisieux exemplified this truth in her “Little Way,” finding holiness in small, everyday tasks done with great love.
• When we work with the mindset that we are serving Christ, our efforts take on eternal significance.
Takeaway
• Choose one task this week perhaps one you usually find tedious and perform it intentionally as an act of love for God.
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Conclusion: Loving the Cross in Community
Today, we’ve reflected on three interconnected truths of our faith:
1. The Cross is not a burden to be avoided but a gift to be embraced with the assurance that God is with us.
2. As members of the Mystical Body of Christ, we have the privilege and responsibility to participate in His saving mission.
3. Every action, when offered to God, becomes an act of worship and a means of grace.
Let us take these reflections to heart, striving to live as faithful members of Christ’s Body, united in love, strengthened by the Cross, and motivated by the knowledge that our work is ultimately for the Lord.
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Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of the Cross, which reveals Your infinite love for us. Strengthen us to embrace our crosses with courage and trust, knowing that You are always by our side. Help us to live as faithful members of the Mystical Body of Christ, fulfilling our unique roles in Your divine plan.
May every action we undertake, no matter how small, be done for Your glory and offered as a gift of love. We ask this through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
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Thank you for listening, and may God bless you as you continue your Advent journey! Stay tuned for our next episode.