Cross Training

STUCK AND GETTING NOWHERE

August 3, 2026 by Eddie Leave a Comment

In Matt 14:22-36, we read the remarkable incident when Jesus walked on water, and the failed attempt of Peter to do the same. Most often, when we hear this story preached, the focus is on the uncertain faith of Peter. Today, I also want to talk about the faith of Peter, but with a twist. I invite you to reflect with me on the notion of misplaced faith. Misplaced faith. I also want to remind you that there were in fact two miracles that occurred in this story.

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GO, AND TELL JESUS

August 1, 2026 by Eddie Leave a Comment

Today’s gospel (Matt 14:1-12) is about the martyrdom of John the Baptist. Herod had a party with many distinguished guests. His daughter danced beautifully before the guests, and in his delight Herod promised to give her anything she asked including half of his kingdom. Then following her mother’s advice, she asked for the head of John the Baptist whom Herod was holding in prison. And that was the end of John the Baptist.

There are many lessons to be learned from this short incident. But for us, today, I want to focus on what happened next. In verse 12, Matthew reports that: “John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.”

So here’s my question. I wonder what was going on in the minds and hearts of the disciples of John after they buried him.

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SPEAK, LORD

July 23, 2026 by Eddie Leave a Comment

“Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.”

Are you blessed when you read the bible? Are you blessed when you go to Mass and hear the gospel spoken or the priest give his homily? Are you blessed when you see verses or inspirational passages that people send through your social media? And when I say blessed, I mean, do you ever feel like God has spoken to you personally?

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COME TO ME

July 5, 2026 by Eddie Leave a Comment

In the passage from Matt 11:25-30, we read of the invitation of Jesus who said: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

About forty years ago, I was just in my mid-30s when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I came to Jesus, not because I was looking for “rest” of any kind. My life was OK, I had a good job, a promising career with an excellent company, I had started a family of my own, and we were happy. I had a solid religious upbringing and strong faith. I was raised as a Catholic, and was in fact devoted to daily Mass. Oh yes, I was very good at religion.

So, when I got an invitation to attend a prayer meeting and to attend a seminar, I declined politely thinking I was okay with the religion that I knew.

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LOVING THE UNLOVABLE. REALLY?

June 16, 2026 by Eddie Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but I think one of the most challenging commands Jesus ever gave is found in today’s gospel in Matthew 5:44, where Jesus says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Love your enemies.

I mean, it’s hard enough to love your neighbor. But to love someone whom you know is not ever going to love you back? To love the person who intends to, or has already caused you some kind of physical, emotional, or material harm? How do you do love them?

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