Episode 229: No Resurrection Without the Cross

Episode 229: No Resurrection Without the Cross

From Pod Have Mercy by John Stephens/Matt Russell

April 3, 2026 · 44 min

About this episode

This episode explores the importance of facing suffering and death during Holy Week, emphasizing that resurrection cannot occur without the cross.

Holy Week invites us into something deeper than celebration—it calls us to slow down, face suffering, and wrestle with the reality of death before we ever reach resurrection. In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Sciretti, pastor of the Center for Christian Spirituality, to explore why so many of us rush past Good Friday—and what we lose when we do. Through the lens of contemplative spirituality, we talk about learning to sit in silence, embrace surrender, and engage the darker, quieter seasons of life. Michael shares practical ways to begin contemplative practices and how they can prepare us for the moments we don’t choose but inevitably face.Because the truth is—there is no resurrection without the cross. Whether you’re walking through grief, uncertainty, or simply looking to grow in your faith, this conversation offers a different way to approach both Holy Week and everyday life: not by avoiding the hard parts, but by entering into them.

People in this episode

Guest: Michael Sciretti

Topics covered

  • Holy Week
  • suffering
  • death
  • resurrection
  • contemplative spirituality
  • grief
  • faith

Keywords

  • Good Friday
  • silence
  • surrender
  • contemplative practices

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: No Resurrection Without the Cross

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