{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: How Should Christians Respond?","description":"Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross  \u2014 How Should Christians Respond? 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sept. 14, 2025) This weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Cross, once a sign of suffering and death, has become for us the ultimate sign of hope: the place where God\u2019s love conquered sin and death. In light of recent tragedies, including the heartbreaking shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, how are we as Christians called to respond? With prayer \u2014 not as a last resort, but as a powerful act that lifts the suffering to God. Through the sacraments \u2014 especially the Eucharist and confession, where Christ\u2019s grace enters our broken world. By intentional relationships \u2014 reaching out, befriending, and witnessing God\u2019s love to those who may feel unseen. With courage as disciples \u2014 stepping out of our comfort zones to share the Gospel, even if it feels uncomfortable or seems to make only a small difference. The Cross reminds us that love is stronger than death, and Christ is stronger than violence. Even if it feels like there\u2019s just a 1% chance that our words or actions could help someone turn back to God, that 1% is worth it \u2014 because eternity is at stake. So we lift high the Cross: proclaiming the love of Christ, living as disciples with conviction, and trusting that God can transform even tragedy into hope. ","author_name":"Anchored In The Lord","author_url":"http:\/\/anchoredinthelord.org","html":"