Episode 2609: The Beauty of the Cross and the Courage to Stand for Truth - 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.”
“The Beauty of the Cross and the Courage to Stand for Truth”
Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll explore two interconnected themes: the joy found in suffering with Christ and the courage to stand for truth in a world increasingly hostile to clear moral distinctions. We will reflect on the wisdom of St. Paul of the Cross and Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, whose insights encourage us to embrace both the Cross and truth with love and perseverance.

St. Paul of the Cross teaches that the crosses we bear can bring joy when united with Christ’s own suffering. Fulton Sheen reminds us that in an age of moral confusion, standing firmly for truth often comes at a cost. Today, we’ll dive deeper into how the Catholic faith calls us to joyfully carry our crosses while proclaiming the truth, even when the world rejects it.
The Joy of Suffering with Jesus
St. Paul of the Cross, a mystic and founder of the Passionists, knew the value of suffering. He once said,
"Your crosses, dear God, are the joy of my heart. How beautiful to suffer with Jesus."
At first, this sentiment may seem foreign or even impossible. How can suffering be joyful? The world sees suffering as something to be avoided at all costs, but for the saints, suffering takes on a new meaning when it is united with the sufferings of Christ. As Catholics, we are called to embrace the Cross not as a burden but as a privilege an opportunity to participate in the redemptive work of Christ.
St. Paul reminds us that the Cross is where we encounter the deepest intimacy with Jesus. It was on the Cross that Christ’s love was poured out for the salvation of the world. When we carry our own crosses whether they come in the form of physical illness, emotional distress, or spiritual trials we draw closer to Him. This doesn’t mean we seek suffering for its own sake, but that we accept it as part of God’s will, trusting that it brings us closer to holiness.
In Colossians 1:24, St. Paul writes, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ for the sake of His body, that is, the Church." Our suffering, united with Christ’s, becomes a source of grace not only for ourselves but also for others. This is the beauty of the Cross that it transforms suffering into joy, sorrow into redemption.
Standing for Truth in a World of Moral Confusion
Fulton J. Sheen provides a powerful warning for today’s world:
"Those who call black black and white white are sentenced for intolerance. Only the grays live."
We live in a time when moral clarity is often rejected in favor of relativism. Society urges us to embrace the "gray areas," where truth and falsehood, good and evil, are blurred. Those who dare to call sin for what it is — sin — are labeled as intolerant or uncharitable. Sheen’s words remind us that compromise with the truth leads to spiritual decay.
As Catholics, we cannot remain silent or accommodate moral ambiguity. Isaiah 5:20 warns us: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness." Our faith demands that we speak the truth, even when it is unpopular or difficult. The teachings of Christ and His Church are not subject to the changing whims of the culture.
Standing for truth does not mean we become harsh or self-righteous. We must proclaim the truth in love, as St. Paul teaches in Ephesians 4:15: "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ." Love without truth is empty sentimentality, but truth without love becomes a weapon. The saints show us that real charity is found in the balance of both.
Fulton Sheen’s challenge is a call to holiness. We are called to live as lights in a world darkened by confusion, and that means standing firmly on the side of truth not out of pride, but out of fidelity to Christ.
Joyful Suffering and Bold Truth: A Unified Call
The teachings of St. Paul of the Cross and Fulton Sheen converge in a powerful way: We are called to carry the Cross with joy and to proclaim truth with courage. Both tasks are challenging, but they are inseparable from our Christian vocation. Suffering purifies us, and truth sanctifies us. Together, they draw us closer to God.
The world will try to convince us that suffering has no purpose and that truth is relative, but we know better. Christ has shown us that the Cross leads to resurrection, and the truth will set us free (John 8:32). The saints remind us that holiness is not found in seeking comfort or compromise but in faithfully following Christ, whatever the cost.
When trials come, let us remember that we are not alone. Christ walks with us, and the Blessed Virgin Mary intercedes for us. As we embrace the crosses of daily life and stand firm in truth, we participate in the mission of the Church to bring light to the world.
Conclusion
In today’s reflection, we have seen how the Cross is not a burden to be avoided but a source of joy when carried with Christ. We’ve also reflected on the need for clarity in a world that prefers moral grayness. With the wisdom of St. Paul of the Cross and Fulton Sheen, we are reminded that holiness requires both joyful endurance and unwavering truth.
As we go forward, let us ask for the grace to embrace our crosses with love and to proclaim the truth with courage. God’s grace is sufficient for every trial, and His truth will guide us through every challenge.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of the Cross and for the truth revealed in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Give us the grace to carry our crosses joyfully and to stand firmly in Your truth, even when the world rejects it. Strengthen us with the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the example of the saints. May we always walk in the light of Your love, and may Your truth set us free. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. Remember, the path to holiness lies in embracing the Cross and living the truth with love. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you close to His Sacred Heart. Go in peace!