174. Take Up Your Cross: The Key to Peace

Apr 09, 2025

Despite a having a strong faith, many of us face struggles that can feel overwhelming. The subtle messaging of a prosperity gospel can leave us feeling duped when life doesn't go as planned. It's essential to acknowledge that suffering is a part of life, even for devout Catholics. So, what do we do?

We must learn to pick up our crosses and follow Christ, embracing the reality of our circumstances. This journey involves denying ourselves and understanding that our struggles can lead to growth and character development. By accepting our reality and choosing hope, we can navigate through life's challenges with faith and resilience. Let's remember that even in our suffering, we are not alone, and there is a path to peace and redemption through Christ! Together, we can support one another in this journey of faith and healing. 

 

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:06 - Carrying the Cross and Keys to Peace

00:04:07 - Denying Ourselves

00:08:44 - Taking up Your Cross

00:13:44 - Following Christ

00:19:55 - Break: Podcast Collaborations

00:22:02 - The Purpose of Lent and Self-Denial

00:26:34 - Being Honest with God

00:29:42 - Letting Go of Outcomes and Choosing to Play

00:32:01 - Acceptance and Choosing Hope

00:35:40 - Introducing Q&A to the Podcast

 

Got questions about dating, marriage, sex, or hope? Ask them here and they could get answered on a future episode of Always Hope: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/ask

 

What to support the work of Always Hope? buymeacoffee.com/drmariosacasa

 

Listen to the other podcasts mentioned in this Episode:

Ask Fr Josh: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/askfrjosh/

Families of Character: https://www.familiesofcharacter.com/blogs/podcast/how-to-accept-differences-in-marriage-with-dr-mario-sacasa

Fairest Love: https://www.fairestlovefamilyproject.org/fairest_love_podcast/s5-ep-10-overcoming-stress-and-anxiety-with-dr-mario-sacasa/

Redeemed Vision: https://www.youtube.com/live/9CmGFRV7B9Y

 

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit

 

See the links below to offer financial assistance:

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Charities Hurricane Helen Donations Page:

https://giving.classy.org/campaign/624511/donate

 

Diocese of St. Petersburg Hurricane Relief Fund:

https://www.givecentral.org/appeals-form-registration/acp5f44220f014e0/user/guest

 

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

 

Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

 

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

 

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

 

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

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