Episode 2502: Crosses, the Mass, and Our Mission to Eternity - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received
from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have
committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed
Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear
Guardian Angel, and all you saints of God, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor
sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen.”
Crosses, the Mass, and Our Mission to Eternity
In tonight’s podcast, where we’ll delve into the profound teachings of St. Mary MacKillop and the traditional Catholic understanding of the Holy Mass as both a source of grace and a call to mission. We’ll explore how our daily crosses serve as pathways to eternal life and how the Mass, far from being merely a ritual, sends us forth on a mission to live out the graces we receive. Together, we’ll uncover how these teachings inspire us to embrace our challenges and live with purpose, striving for the eternal happiness promised by God.
"Look upon your crosses as stepping stones to the eternal life of happiness." — St. Mary MacKillop
St. Mary MacKillop’s words offer a powerful perspective on the struggles and difficulties we encounter in life. From a traditional Catholic viewpoint, our crosses whether they be trials, sufferings, or inconveniences are not punishments or random misfortunes. Rather, they are opportunities for growth in holiness, drawing us closer to Christ and to eternal life.
Christ Himself taught, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). In the mystery of the Cross, suffering is transformed. What would otherwise be a source of despair becomes, through Christ’s sacrifice, a means of sanctification and redemption. When we unite our crosses with Christ’s, we participate in His salvific work, and those very burdens become stepping stones toward eternal happiness.

This does not mean that our crosses are easy to bear, but St. Mary MacKillop encourages us to shift our focus. Instead of viewing suffering as an obstacle, we are called to see it as part of our journey toward God. Every cross, no matter how heavy, brings us closer to the eternal joy of Heaven when we carry it with faith and trust in God’s plan.
The Mission of the Mass:
“The word ‘Mass’ (Missa in Latin) comes from the sending forth with which it concludes. Ite missa est means, ‘Go, it [the assembly] has been dismissed,’ or, more spiritually interpreted, ‘Go, it has been sent.’” — R. Jared Staudt
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is central to our lives as Catholics. It is where we encounter Christ in the Eucharist, receiving the grace to continue our spiritual journey. But as R. Jared Staudt explains, the word "Mass" itself points us toward a mission. The Church does not name the Mass primarily after the Eucharist, though it is the source and summit of our faith, but after the dismissal—Ite, missa est—meaning, “Go, you are sent.”

This reveals a profound truth: the Mass is not merely a personal or private encounter with God; it is an experience that equips us for action. After receiving Christ’s Body and Blood, we are sent forth to live out the graces we’ve received, carrying the presence of Christ into the world. This spiritual mission extends to our homes, workplaces, and all aspects of our lives.
Each time we attend Mass, we participate in the mystery of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, and we are transformed by His grace. But the transformation does not end at the church door. The sending forth at the end of Mass reminds us that we are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love in a world that desperately needs it.
The crosses we bear, as St. Mary MacKillop reminds us, become part of this mission. In the face of suffering, we are called to trust in God and remain faithful, showing the world that even in trials, there is hope and joy in Christ. This is part of the mission that the Mass commissions us to live out daily.

Our Crosses and Our Mission:
The connection between our crosses and the Mass becomes clear when we consider that both are intimately tied to the life of Christ. In every Mass, we enter into the sacrifice of Calvary, where Christ carried the ultimate cross for our redemption. When we bear our own crosses, we follow in His footsteps, not just in our personal lives, but in the mission to bring Christ’s love, mercy, and grace into the world.
Living out the mission of the Mass means we must embrace our crosses, knowing they have meaning and purpose. Our suffering, when united with Christ’s, becomes redemptive—not only for ourselves but also for others. We become instruments of God’s grace, bringing the light of Christ to those around us.
This mission requires humility and trust. We may not always see the fruits of our crosses immediately, but faith assures us that they are stepping stones to eternal happiness, as St. Mary MacKillop teaches. And every time we attend Mass, we are reminded of this truth and sent forth to live it out.

Conclusion:
In today’s reflection, we’ve seen how the crosses we bear are not burdens to be avoided but gifts to be embraced. Through our trials, we are drawn closer to Christ, and they become stepping stones to eternal happiness. The Holy Mass strengthens and prepares us for this journey, sending us forth with the grace to carry our crosses and fulfill the mission God has entrusted to each of us.
Let us never forget that our crosses, when carried with love and trust, bring us closer to God and to the eternal joy that awaits us in Heaven.
Ending Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of the Holy Mass, where we encounter Your Son, Jesus Christ, and receive the grace to carry out the mission You have entrusted to us. Help us to see our crosses not as burdens, but as stepping stones to eternal life. Grant us the strength and courage to unite our sufferings with Christ and to trust in Your divine plan.
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we humbly embrace our mission to live out the graces of the Mass, bringing Your love and mercy to the world. Guide us always on the path that leads to the eternal happiness of Heaven, where we will rejoice with You forever.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.