Eleven Years of Grace and Growth
For 11 years now, MOTC has provided me a safe place for spiritual growth, healing, and love.Moreover, a lifetime sisterhood and community reminds us all that we are not alone. - Violet
🎵 Listen to “Give Me Jesus”
Pause. Listen. Reflect. And remember what matters most.
Stories of Hope & Transformation
Give Me Jesus
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Every journey is different. Every story is unique. But at the heart of every story is the same hope—the transforming love of Jesus Christ.
Take a moment to pause, listen, and reflect as you hear the words of “Give Me Jesus.” Then explore the stories and testimonies of those whose lives have been touched by the Ministry of the Third Cross.
These are stories of brokenness and restoration, struggle and perseverance, faith and second chances. They remind us that no matter where our journey begins, God can meet us right where we are and lead us toward something new.
Reflections and Testimonials
Frank Cuellar - Who I am and Why I am Here
I was born in 1958 in San Antonio, my mother passed away in 1959, my father left town in 1960 and I was adopted and raised by my grandparents. I started using drugs and drinking at the age of 11 and left home at 15 due to my addiction and heavy drinking. I lived the life of an addict with no direction and purpose. At the age of 21, I gave my life to Christ at a church meeting in San Marcos, Texas. I walked out of that building free from drugs and alcohol. Immediately after my Damascus road experience I began to read/study my bible with an unquenchable appetite; to pray and fast and to testify about the delivering power of Jesus Christ on the streets of San Antonio and anywhere else I could find a pair of ears to preach to. I have spent my life following the call of God and attempting to carry my cross. My walk has not been picture perfect, but, the grace and faithfulness of my Lord Jesus has never wavered.
Brother Jason Moore, who served with MOTC as our seminarian in 2019-2020
Br. Brian Vaccaro, C.Ss.R., is a seminarian with the Redemptorists. He is currently doing his theological studies at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. He is in his final year of his studies. This past academic year, he did his ministry with the Ministry of the Third Cross.
Brother Jorge Haro with a reflection.
Brother Frank Cruz with a reflection.
Brother Jonathon Garcia MOTC Seminarian
Sunday Reflection August 30, 2026
Now Follow Me
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Scripture of the Week
Matthew 16:21-28
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“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns”
— Matthew 16:23
Reflection
“Deny Yourself, Take Up Your Cross, and Follow Me”
This passage is a powerful reminder that following Jesus is not always about choosing the easiest path—it is about choosing His path.
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Jesus tells His disciples that He must suffer, be killed, and be raised again. Peter immediately responds by trying to protect Jesus from this difficult future. But Jesus makes it clear that Peter is thinking from a human perspective rather than God’s perspective.
Then Jesus gives one of His most challenging invitations:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” — Matthew 16:24 NIV
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To deny ourselves doesn't mean that we don't matter or that we should neglect ourselves. It means surrendering our desire to control everything and choosing God's will over our own.
To take up our cross means being willing to follow Christ even when obedience is uncomfortable, uncertain, or costly. Sometimes the cross looks like forgiving when we would rather hold onto hurt. Sometimes it means stepping out in faith when we're afraid. Sometimes it means letting go of something familiar because God is calling us into something new.
And Jesus reminds us that our greatest gain isn't found in gaining the world.
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“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” — Matthew 16:26 NIV
still present, and His grace is always enough.
Reflection Question:
We can spend so much time pursuing success, money, recognition, comfort, approval, or security that we forget what truly matters. What good is gaining everything we thought we wanted if we lose our relationship with God in the process?
Takeaway for the Week
Following Jesus may cost you something, but it will never cost you more than living without Him.
Sometimes God asks us to walk through an uncomfortable season, not because He has abandoned us, but because He is leading us somewhere our comfort could never take us.
The cross wasn't the end of Jesus' story. Resurrection was.
And that gives us hope: the difficult thing God is asking you to surrender today may be making room for something greater tomorrow.
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Prayer for the Week
Lord, help me to surrender my plans, my fears, and my desire for control. Give me the courage to take up my cross and follow You, even when I don't understand the path ahead. Help me remember that my worth is not found in what I have, what I accomplish, or what others think of me. Keep my heart focused on You. Give me strength to choose obedience over comfort and faith over fear.
Amen.
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Next Sunday's Scripture September 6, 2026
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Matthew 18:15–20 — “When We Have Been Hurt”
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“If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
— Matthew 18:15 NIV
Short Summary
Matthew 18:15–20 teaches us how God wants us to handle conflict, hurt, and relationships. When someone hurts us, Jesus encourages us to go to them directly—not to argue or embarrass them, but to seek restoration and reconciliation.
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We are called to speak with love, humility, and honesty, remembering that being reconciled is more important than simply being right. When conflict cannot be resolved alone, Jesus also reminds us that wise, godly counsel can help.
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And through it all, we have this promise:
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20 NIV
Jesus is present even in our difficult conversations.
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Takeaway for the Week
God doesn't call us to avoid every difficult conversation. He calls us to handle difficult conversations differently.
We don't confront people to tear them down.
We confront with the hope of bringing them closer.
And when reconciliation feels impossible, remember you don't have to enter the conversation alone.
Where people come together in Jesus' name, He is there.
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Prayer
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Lord, give me wisdom when I am hurt and humility when I am wrong. Help me not to hold onto bitterness or allow offenses to create division in my heart. Give me the courage to have difficult conversations with love, grace, and truth. Help me listen as much as I speak and seek restoration rather than simply proving my point. Bring healing to relationships that are broken and remind me that You are present even in the difficult conversations. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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More testimonials coming soon. Stay tuned and watch for our website re-launch!