Crucifix

As the entire Catholic Church commemorate the Triumph of the Cross, I am reflecting on the cross itself. What is the real relevance of the cross in my personal relationship to God and not only to my religion. It is almost annually that we are invited to read and relearn the history of finding the cross during the time of Constantine. It is almost annually that there is a demand to view the cross as a sign of Jesus' self emptying. What new reflections can I get from celebrating the Triumph of the Cross.

It is a juxtaposition to say that there is victory in the cross. Actually it is a contrary title to say Triumph of the Cross. For how can there be victory in death. But it is made real by Jesus. By his own laying down his life for us, because of our sins, death herself was destroyed. By his own wounds we are healed. So I have to simply enumerate those reflections about the cross which I formerly did years ago.

1. In the Cross there is Unity. Universally, all Christians are made one by the cross. I remember, protestants do not pray on images unlike Catholics but they recognize the cross. So when there are Catholics and Protestants praying together, they both face the crucifix hanging in the wall. Truly, the sacrifice of Christ is not in vain, we was able to unite all Christians in his all-encompassing cross.

2. In the Cross there is Redemption. Not only does the cross symbolize universal redemption from sin. The cross can be depended for liberation in other forms of earthly slavery. When there are disasters we can depend on the cross of Christ. If Christ did not hesitate to give his life up for us, what is graver that he cannot do for you?

3. In the Cross there is Healing. The first reading gives us a glimpse of how people bitten by the serpents were healed after looking at a crosslike wood made by Moses. We can pray for healing and hold the cross. Suffering is a form of cross. Sickness can be a cross but it can always give you new learnings about life.

4. In the Cross there is Blessings. When a priest is to bless a person, an object, a couple, or anything, he will make a sign of the cross. Why is it like that? Because every cross is a blessing. It is very complicated to explain but deep in our hearts we know. There can be no victory without going through the struggles. There can be no Resurrection without the cross. Crosses is the only medium for us to attain the blessings we need.

May we always reflect about the cross. May there always be new insights about the cross. May we learn to embrace our crosses. May like Jesus, we become humble and obedient up to the point of crucifixion.