Episode 2444: Embracing the Cross and Trusting in God's Infinite Mercy - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode of our podcast, where we delve into the mysteries of the faith, guided by the wisdom of the saints and Sacred Scripture. In this episode, we explore the profound relationship between embracing the cross, seeking God’s mercy, and remaining in Christ so that we may not be put to shame at His coming.
St. Maria de Mattias encourages us to love the cross, for it is in our suffering that we discover our true life, our deepest love, and our greatest strength. Patrick Madrid reminds us of the boundless mercy of God, assuring us that no matter how numerous our sins, God's forgiveness is always greater. And Sacred Scripture, in 1 John 2:28, exhorts us to remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may stand confidently in His presence.
Today, we will reflect on these teachings and discover how they call us to live as faithful Catholics, especially in times of suffering, repentance, and anticipation of Christ's return.

Loving the Cross: Discovering Life, Love, and Strength
St. Maria de Mattias, a holy woman dedicated to the Precious Blood of Christ, calls us to a radical love for the cross. She says:
"Let us love the cross very much, for it is there that we discover our life, our true love, and our strength in our greatest difficulties."
This teaching echoes the profound mystery of the cross that lies at the heart of the Catholic faith. The cross, often viewed as a symbol of suffering and death, is, in fact, the place where we find true life. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross transformed it from an instrument of torture into the means of our salvation.
In Matthew 16:24-25, Jesus Himself tells us:
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever will save his life shall lose it: and whoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it."
By embracing the cross, we discover the paradox of the Christian life: it is through suffering that we find true joy, through death that we find life, and through self-denial that we discover our deepest love in God. When we carry our crosses with love and trust in God, we are united to Christ in His redemptive work, and we draw strength from His grace in our greatest difficulties.
Trusting in God's Infinite Mercy:
In the midst of our struggles and sinfulness, Patrick Madrid offers us hope with these comforting words:
"God will forgive you if you ask him to. Though your sins be numerous as the grains of sand on the shore, God’s merciful forgiveness is far greater than your sins. Do not be afraid. Trust in his love. Repent of your sins without delay and return to the house of the Father. He is waiting for you."
This echoes the message of Divine Mercy that permeates Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church. God’s mercy is infinite, and He is always ready to forgive those who sincerely repent and return to Him. In Isaiah 1:18, the Lord speaks through the prophet:
"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

No matter how far we have strayed or how deep our sins may be, God’s mercy is always greater. He calls us to repentance, not to condemn us, but to bring us back to the house of the Father, where He waits with open arms, just as the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) awaited his wayward child.
Patrick Madrid’s reminder to not delay our repentance is crucial in a world where procrastination and complacency are constant temptations. God’s mercy is available now, and He urges us to seek forgiveness today, trusting in His love.
Remaining in Christ: Confidence at His Coming
Finally, Sacred Scripture gives us a clear instruction in 1 John 2:28:
"And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming."
Remaining in Christ means living in a state of grace, rooted in the sacraments, prayer, and obedience to God’s commandments. This verse calls us to be vigilant in our faith, knowing that Christ will come again, and we will stand before Him. We are urged to live each day as though it were our last, so that when Christ appears, we will not be ashamed but confident in His mercy.
The Church Fathers teach us that remaining in Christ involves an ongoing conversion of heart. St. Augustine writes:
"Our hearts are restless until they rest in You."
This restlessness points to the constant need for us to seek Christ and abide in Him. When we live in union with Christ, our confidence grows, not because of our own merits, but because of His grace working within us. The sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, help us remain in Christ, cleansing us from sin and uniting us to His Body and Blood.
Conclusion:
In today’s episode, we have reflected on the transformative power of the cross, the boundless mercy of God, and the importance of remaining in Christ as we await His coming. St. Maria de Mattias reminds us that it is in the cross where we discover our true life, love, and strength. Patrick Madrid reassures us that God’s mercy is always greater than our sins, inviting us to repentance and trust in His love. And Sacred Scripture calls us to remain in Christ so that we may stand confidently before Him at His return.
As we go about our daily lives, let us embrace the crosses we are given with love, trust in God’s infinite mercy, and remain in Christ through prayer and the sacraments. By doing so, we will live as faithful disciples, ready to meet our Lord when He comes.
Closing Prayer:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of the cross, where we discover our true life, love, and strength. Help us to embrace our crosses with faith, knowing that they unite us to Your Son, Jesus Christ. We trust in Your infinite mercy, O Lord, and we ask for the grace to repent of our sins and return to You with humble hearts. May we remain in Christ, abiding in Your love, so that we may stand confidently before You at His coming. Strengthen us through Your sacraments and guide us by the Holy Spirit, that we may live as faithful disciples all the days of our lives.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.