EP1 – The Introductory Days – The Power of the Cross with Michael Dubruiel – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

The Power of the Cross, applying the Passion of Christ to your life Episode 1: The Preliminary Lenten Days – Ash Wednesday through Saturday of that week. In this opening episode of Power of the Cross, Michael Dubruiel introduces the spiritual foundation of Lent as a journey into reality rather than escape. Drawing from the Church’s ancient understanding of Lent as a time of formation and renewal, Michael explains how Ash Wednesday and the preliminary days before the First Sunday of Lent confront us with the truth of our condition without Christ and the hope offered through His Cross. Michael reflects on the meaning of the ashes, the reality of original sin and the necessity of redemption. Through Scripture, lived experience and deeply human stories, he invites listeners to face suffering, mortality and weakness honestly while discovering how Christ transforms them from within. Lent is presented not simply as a season of giving things up, but as a time of replacing what is empty with Christ Himself and reclaiming the meaning of baptism and Eucharist in daily life. This episode sets the tone for the entire series, calling listeners to enter Lent as a retreat of the heart where the Cross becomes not a symbol of defeat, but the very source of life and love. Michael Dubruiel died in 2009. These recordings, made in 2008, have been remastered to improve audio clarity and are shared with the permission of his wife, Amy Welborn. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. How do I usually approach Lent: as an obligation, a habit or a genuine invitation to encounter Christ more deeply?
2. What does it mean for me personally to hear the words spoken on Ash Wednesday, “Remember that you are dust”?
3. In what ways do I try to avoid facing suffering, weakness or mortality in my spiritual life?
4. How does Michael’s reflection on the Cross challenge my understanding of suffering and redemption?
5. What might it look like for me to replace what I give up this Lent with a more intentional turning toward Christ?

Michael Dubruiel’s book The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ to Your Life is currently available in Kindle format. You can find the book here:
https://amzn.to/4rTMBK9 To explore more of Amy Welborn’s books and writing, visit:
https://amywelborn.wordpress.com/books-by-amy-welborn/