Episode
Episode #259--"Embracing the Cross--Say Yes to Holiness Podcast
- Published
- Jan 31, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1556
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Summary
In this episode, Christina Semmens shares insights on how to deepen your prayer life, embrace the Cross, and live out the Gospel with purpose and hope. She invites listeners into a meaningful Lenten journey centered on Scripture, virtue, and community, emphasizing that holiness is a daily choice rooted in God’s grace. Takeaways Using the Particular Examen guided by the five wounds of Jesus to confront hidden faults and sins The importance of daily dialogue with the Word of God and how Scripture breathes life into our souls Virtues inspired by the saints, like humility, poverty, patience, and obedience, and how to cultivate them The significance of loving the Cross in small, everyday ways by trusting in God’s plan The role of righteous anger and prayer in responding to injustice without division How baptism and the Holy Spirit empower us as priests, prophets, and kings to bring Christ into our daily lives Practical steps to begin loving the Cross, bearing suffering with faith, and finding joy amidst trials Recognizing that each person’s path to holiness is unique, guided by the Holy Spirit Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to the Lent journey 00:28 - Announcing the Say Yes to Holiness online retreat 00:57 - Using Rooting Out Hidden Faults for spiritual growth 1:21 - The Particular Examen and its focus on Jesus’ wounds 2:16 - Gratitude and review as tools for prayer 3:13 - Addressing the seven deadly sins through Scripture 4:08 - Pope Francis on making Sunday a day rooted in God’s Word 5:05 - Meditating on Scripture beyond Mass 6:02 - The living nature of God’s Word and its ongoing relevance 7:28 - Continuing the dialogue with Jesus throughout the day 8:44 - The importance of making space for God’s Word daily 9:45 - St. Ignatius of Loyola’s call to live for God…