This Parish Mission took place at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Eau Claire, WI on March 8-10, 2026. Referencing Matthew 16:13-28, Fr. Andrew discusses on this 2nd night the obstacles of deception, temptation, and fear, and then shows how we can respond through daily prayer, sacraments, and service.
This Parish Mission took place at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Eau Claire, WI on March 8-10, 2026. Referencing Matthew 16:13-28, Fr. Andrew discusses on this first night the significance of the Cross of Christ and shows how we draw near to the Lord Jesus through the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.
When Peter’s fear of crucifixion leads him to tempt Jesus away from his saving mission, the Lord responds with a stern rebuke and a call to follow him as we carry the Cross. In other words, when fear rises up in our hearts, we face it with faith, knowing that the Cross is not the end, but a doorway that leads to eternal life.
On this feast of the Holy Cross, we recall God’s unfathomable love for the world. May the cherished words of John’s Gospel inspire us to run to the Cross of Christ and receive his lavish grace of forgiveness, mercy and compassion.
We recall the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross so that we never take for granted the Lord’s saving gift as we are inspired to grow in faith, hope and love.
Matthew’s Gospel reveals both the Cross of Christ and the Cup of suffering. As disciples of Jesus, we must be prepared for both throughout the course of our lives.
The sorrow of Mary as she stood faithfully before the Cross of Christ helps us to engage our grief. When we acknowledge our sorrows, we call upon the saving strength of Jesus to pass through our pain into healing joy.
Cappella del Crocefisso, painted by Scipione Pulzone, Chiesa Nuova, Rome.
The anguish of Mary at the foot of the Cross of Christ touches our human pain and loss in moments of suffering. Yet Mary’s faithfulness inspires us to endure these times of trial as we place our hope in her Son.
The Cross of Christ reveals justice, humility and love as Christ triumphs over sin and death for the salvation of the world. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you! For by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
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