Sermons from Holy Cross Church

Join us as we delve into the complexities of communication and understanding in the Gospel of John. The disciples often found themselves puzzled by Jesus' teachings, struggling to grasp the profound messages beyond the literal words. This episode explores the dual levels of communication: the analytical mind that values object permanence and self-differentiation, and the spiritual participation lo...

In this insightful episode, we explore the powerful imagery of the shepherd throughout salvation history and its profound significance in understanding Jesus' divine role. From Adam to David, human leaders often faltered, revealing their flaws and self-interest. Yet, Jesus emerges as the ultimate Good Shepherd, embodying God's unwavering faithfulness and love. Through the Gospel of John, we delve...

In this heartfelt sermon, listeners are invited to embrace the uncertainties of life, much like the disciples on the road to Emmaus. As students prepare for college, Father Robert reflects on the unpredictable path ahead, emphasizing the importance of accepting life's challenges and uncertainties. Just as the disciples initially failed to recognize Jesus, we often struggle to see beyond our immedi...

In this episode, we delve into the challenges and wonders of believing in the resurrection of Jesus. Many find it difficult to accept such a miracle, but the gospel narratives show us that even Jesus' closest disciples struggled with similar doubts. Through the story of Thomas, who needed tangible evidence of Christ's resurrection, we explore the path from skepticism to faith. This journey invites...

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of the Gospel story. The narrative of Jesus' resurrection is not just another tale; it's a dramatic, invitational, and transformational event that challenges us to step beyond the ordinary. As the angel at the tomb turned Mary Magdalene and Mary into messengers of good news, we too are invited to embrace this extraordinary story. We unpack the s...

Explore the profound difference between speaking truth and embodying it in this compelling episode. Delve into the dichotomy of words without flesh and the real meaning behind Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. Discover how expectations of power and liberation were met with humility, love, and sacrifice. As we recount the triumphant entrance into Jerusalem and the subsequent betrayal, we uncover the hum...

Join us as we delve into a profound journey of faith and acceptance. Our speaker shares a poignant personal story about his father's battle with a terminal illness and the choice between an extended life with limitations or embracing life's pleasures fully for a shorter time. This narrative intertwines with the biblical story of Lazarus, exploring themes of belief, resurrection, and the glory of G...

In this episode, delve into the profound theme of 'seeing' beyond mere appearances. Drawing inspiration from today's gospel, we explore how art and sacred spaces can open our eyes to deeper spiritual truths. Discover how the incredible artwork at Holy Cross, from changing exhibits to timeless stained-glass windows, illuminates scripture and our lives. Reflect on the concept of 'double vision'—seei...

Join us as we explore the spiritual journey from liberation to the promised land, drawing parallels between the biblical Israelites and our modern lives. Discover how the wilderness, though daunting, serves as a profound space for spiritual growth and divine encounters. Through stories of struggles, complaints, and unexpected blessings, learn why relying on God’s presence in times of suffering can...

Dive into the transformative journey of Abraham, a man called by God to leave his familiar world behind and embrace a destiny beyond human comprehension. This episode explores the profound implications of God's promises to Abraham, highlighting his radical faith and obedience despite the daunting unknowns. The sermon also draws parallels to Paul's own transformation and the universal call to aband...

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion linking Genesis and Matthew, exploring the intertwined narratives of Adam and Eve's temptation and Jesus' triumph over the devil. Through these stories, we uncover the depth of human moral reasoning bestowed by God and the profound implications of free will. Discover how Adam and Eve's story sets the stage for humanity's struggle with sin and shame, while J...

Journey with us as we delve into the profound story of the Transfiguration, where Jesus is transformed in divine light on the mountain. This episode explores the powerful notion that Jesus was transfigured not for himself, but for us, inviting us to experience this divine transformation in our own lives. With insights from Exodus, 2 Peter, and Matthew, discover the parallels between Moses' ascent...

In this episode, we delve into the significance of baptism and the role of rules and laws in our spiritual journey. The discussion highlights the paradoxical nature of laws—how they guide us yet how we often fall short of them. The sermon emphasizes that these divine commandments aren't mere rules to be followed but invitations to engage deeply with God. As Alex prepares for his baptism, the messa...

Join us in a captivating discussion exploring the surprising parallels between professional wrestling and salvation history. Just like wrestling, where the true drama often unfolds outside the ring, the story of faith is not confined to the sanitized confines of tradition. Discover how the raw, unfiltered moments of life and faith are where the true essence lies. Drawing on the vibrant imagery of...

In this episode, we delve into the timeless struggle of finding self-worth in a world that often judges us harshly. Through the lens of biblical stories, we explore how turning away from worldly judgments and embracing our relationship with God can lead to a profound sense of belonging and love. From Adam and Eve's realization of vulnerability to the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, we uncov...

Join us as we delve into the often-overlooked parts of the Christmas story, as told in the second chapter of Matthew. This episode challenges the Hallmark image of Christmas by exploring the harsh realities faced by Mary, Joseph, and the newborn Jesus in a world ruled by King Herod. Discover the deep implications of Herod's fear and violence, and how these themes resonate with the challenges of ou...

Join us as we explore the enduring power of storytelling within the Christian faith. Our speaker, a proud southern Appalachian, shares how stories shape our lives, connect us with family traditions, and deepen our understanding of community and faith. From tales of personal experiences to the profound narrative of Christ's birth, we delve into why these stories matter. Gathered in church, we celeb...

Join us as we explore the profound concept of dreaming the impossible through the lens of faith. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, we delve into the story of Jesus' miraculous birth and the covenant that began with Abraham. Discover how God's grace and presence weave through history, offering redemption and hope even amidst life's challenges. As we recount stories of faith from biblical times to...

Join us as we explore the concept of communication through codes and hidden messages, both in everyday life and within the scriptures. Reflecting on personal experiences with coded language, from sports signals to writing in Latin, we delve into how these methods allow for secretive exchanges. In the same vein, we examine how Jesus communicates with John the Baptist using prophetic codes from Isai...

In this episode, explore the humorous yet profound revelations from a father-daughter moment over a Spotify wrap, juxtaposed with the deeper spiritual narrative of John the Baptist's call for repentance. Discover how modern distractions, like unexpected classic rock playlists, mirror the ancient world's noise, and how they challenge our understanding of faithfulness. Journey through biblical stori...

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the spiritual symbolism of sleep and awakening through the lens of Advent. We delve into personal anecdotes and scriptural insights, reflecting on how routine can lull us into a spiritual slumber, leaving us unresponsive to the vibrant life around us. The sermon challenges us to wake up, not just in the physical sense, but spiritually, urging us to bre...

Explore the profound contrast between worldly kings and Jesus, a king who defies expectations by prioritizing others over himself. This episode delves into the historical context of kingship, highlighting how traditional rulers amassed power for personal gain while Jesus embodied a revolutionary kind of leadership. Unlike any king before him, Jesus performed acts of power solely for the benefit of...

In this episode, we explore the unique nature of the Gospels and how they differ from modern novels. Unlike a novel, the Gospels assume the reader knows the entire story, including its climactic events like the Last Supper and the crucifixion of Jesus. This understanding invites us to read Scripture not for information, but for transformation. We delve into the concept of reading doxologically, wh...

In this episode, we delve into Jesus' teachings from the Gospel of Luke, where he challenges the Sadducees—and us—to consider the size of our story. Are we living small stories that lead to death, or embracing big stories that lead to life and love with God? The Sadducees, known for their disbelief in the resurrection, held a transactional view of salvation, one focused on earthly blessings and te...

In this episode, we delve into the paradox of suffering and the Christian journey. Our host reflects on the inherent struggle of trying to avoid suffering in daily life, from health to finances, and contrasts it with the spiritual calling to embrace it as a disciple of Jesus. Through humorous anecdotes and insightful commentary, we explore the tension between earthly desires and the spiritual path...