Sermons from Holy Cross Church

In this episode, we explore how recognizing the divinity in others can bridge our differences and foster genuine connections, even amidst disagreements. Through a touching recount of a youth retreat and a thought-provoking sermon, the importance of viewing others through the lens of Christ is highlighted. We delve into the transformative power of acknowledging shared spiritual foundations, encoura...

In this episode, we delve into the powerful parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow, as shared in the Gospel of Luke. Discover why prayer should not be an afterthought in our busy lives, but a constant source of strength and faith. Jesus teaches us the importance of praying always, so that we do not succumb to fear or anxiety. Through this parable, we explore the absurdities of the wo...

In this episode, we explore the profound message of faith, gratitude, and healing in the story of the ten lepers. The narrative challenges us to move beyond simply receiving blessings and urges us to embody a life of praise and thanksgiving. It's a call to recognize the grace that surrounds us and respond with a heartfelt 'yes' to God, transforming us into vessels of gratitude. We delve into how f...

Explore how our perceptions of possibility are often limited by our own desires and expectations. This episode delves into a transformative moment that shatters the confines of what we think is achievable. Through engaging stories and reflections, we uncover how faith and being called by a higher purpose can redefine freedom and potential. Drawing on biblical teachings and personal anecdotes, we d...

In this episode, we delve into the profound teachings of Jesus, as shared in the Gospel of Luke, about the true nature of blessings and gratitude. The sermon challenges the superficial views held by the Pharisees, who equated material wealth with divine favor. Through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, listeners are invited to look beyond worldly possessions and recognize the deeper, spiritu...

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the complexities of the parable of the unjust steward, a narrative that challenges our conventional views on accountability and grace. Often seen as a strange and difficult text, it compels us to examine our own lives, asking: what are we doing with the resources entrusted to us? We delve into the idea that perhaps the true purpose of this accounting i...

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the complex symbolism of the cross, exploring its historical origins and its profound significance in Christianity. Originally a tool of execution used by the Romans, the cross was transformed by Jesus into a symbol of redemption and love. Discover how the Romans’ intent to instill fear was subverted by Jesus, who embraced the cross to invite all in...

Join us as we explore the challenging yet rewarding path of following Jesus. Through a personal story of preparing a young boy for baptism, we delve into the profound teachings of Jesus. Discover why He asks us to prioritize His mission above all else, even when it means giving up our comforts and possessions. This episode unpacks the rhetorical and symbolic nature of Jesus' call to 'hate' one's f...

In this thought-provoking sermon, Father Robert recounts a humorous encounter with a parishioner that leads to a deeper reflection on inclusivity and humility within the church. Drawing from the Gospel of Luke, he challenges the congregation to rethink societal norms and the true meaning of honor. Through Jesus' teachings, Father Robert illustrates the contrast between worldly desires and the divi...

Join us in exploring the powerful message of freedom and healing found in the iconic Queen song, 'I Want to Break Free,' and its connection to the Gospel lesson from Luke. This episode unpacks the universal longing for freedom and how it resonates across cultures and generations, from rock anthems to powerful speeches. We delve into the story of a woman healed by Jesus, illustrating that liberatio...

In this episode, we dive into the rich tapestry of faith and community, exploring the profound impact of history and the shared journey of belief. Our speaker reflects on their own transformative experience at St. Paul's, an old stone church filled with generations of prayers. We discuss the enduring question faced by early Christians: why embrace the promises of God through Jesus Christ? Through...

In this episode, we delve into the concept of salvation history, a term that often seems both self-evident and obscure. We explore how salvation has unfolded from the dawn of time to the anticipated second coming of Jesus, and what this truly means for our relationship with God. Drawing from the letter to the Hebrews, we examine how faith underpins hope, not only providing assurance but actively p...

Join us as we delve into a sermon that challenges worldly attachments and celebrates the transformative journey in Christ. Through engaging storytelling and insightful biblical interpretation, discover how the Apostle Paul's teachings to the Colossians urge us to shed material shackles and embrace our sacred identity in Christ. Explore the concept of being an 'icon' of Jesus, inviting others to wi...

Join us on a journey of faith as we explore the profound connection between suffering and spiritual growth. In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of hardship, using the story of Father Ian’s struggle with injury as a backdrop. Through this lens, we uncover the teachings of Paul to the Colossians, emphasizing the image of Jesus as the icon of God and the call to rejoice in sufferi...

In this insightful episode, we explore the story of Mary and Martha, a gospel lesson often misinterpreted as a call for women to remain silent. Our speaker delves into the deeper meaning, emphasizing that the narrative is not about silencing women but about understanding the choices we make in life. Through a personal story, he reflects on the choices that define us and how they shape our paths. D...

Join us in exploring the profound connection between stories and our spiritual journey. In this episode, we delve into how narratives, rather than mere laws, guide us toward understanding grace and salvation. Through the lens of Jesus' parables, we discover how love and compassion transcend legalistic approaches to faith. Our host reflects on a recent dinner conversation that sparked thoughts abou...

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the power of individual action and its profound impact on the world. Through personal anecdotes and historical stories, including the inspiring journey of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, we explore the question, 'What can one person do?' Discover how even small gestures, like a simple act of kindness or a heartfelt message, can ripple through society, brin...

Join us as we delve into the profound significance of baptism, exploring how it marks the beginning of a lifelong journey with Christ. In this episode, we reflect on the responsibilities and freedoms that come with being baptized into the body of Christ. Drawing inspiration from Galatians, we discuss the true meaning of freedom in Christ—not the freedom to indulge whims, but the freedom to choose...

In this episode, we delve into the timeless struggle between polytheism and monotheism as illustrated in the biblical story of Queen Jezebel, King Ahab, and Elijah. We explore how Jezebel's introduction of Baal worship challenges Israel's devotion to Yahweh, highlighting the transactional nature of pagan gods versus the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The discussion emphasizes the futility of t...

Join us on Trinity Sunday as we delve into the profound teachings of Meister Eckhart, a German mystic, who challenges us to pray for liberation from our limited understanding of God. Discover how our attempts to define and confine God often become barriers to truly experiencing the divine. This episode invites you to reflect on the 'unbearable' moments in life—both the joyous and the sorrowful—tha...

Join us as we delve into the fascinating narrative of Pentecost, exploring its profound impact on the early disciples and its enduring significance today. Our speaker, a former cab driver turned religious anthropologist, shares his vivid experiences from the streets of St. Louis, where he encountered a modern-day John the Baptist preaching the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit. Discover how the...

In this episode, we delve into the profound story of Paul and Silas, exploring how they transformed their dire circumstances into a moment of profound evangelization. Despite being beaten, imprisoned, and humiliated, they sang hymns and praised God, embodying the strength found in faith. This tale offers a compelling insight: suffering is inescapable, but it is also a space where God meets us. As...

Join us as we explore the profound and often misunderstood concept of love within the Christian faith. Reflecting on a recent gathering in Boone, North Carolina, we delve into the different Greek interpretations of love, focusing on 'agape'—the divine love that transcends human understanding. This episode examines how early Christians utilized the seldom-used Greek term to describe the love reveal...

In this thought-provoking sermon, we explore the limitations of words and the profound impact of actions in expressing genuine love. Words can often fall short, leaving us skeptical and yearning for authentic connections. Through the lens of Jesus' teachings, we delve into the story of the Last Supper, highlighting the symbolic foot washing that prepares the disciples for their mission. This act o...

Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of identity and how we come to truly know others. This episode draws from a humorous personal anecdote about a case of mistaken papal identity, leading to a deeper discussion on the nature of knowing and being known. Using the Gospel of John as a backdrop, we examine the portrayal of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the radical concept of love as a pathway t...