Many Christian religions all over the world use the symbol of the Cross to foster their faith but it is only in Catholicism that the Cross is venerated and embraced. I believe like some of my church friends do that the Cross reminds us of a God who became a fool for love of us and when he said "Come and follow me" he meant that we should bear our crosses as He did, for love. What we should bear, though, is the Cross, and not "crosses" of our own making. The True Cross of Jesus was made holy by His suffering and death on it. The True Cross was different from the crosses of the thieves crucified alongside Jesus. Theirs was of their own making and so the two crosses could not heal the sick and wrought no miracles when they were uncovered together with the True Cross.In this new millenium, suffering for love seems strange to the younger generations. Theirs is a world where married couples do not remain married "till death do us part", where being rich, powerful and popular are what they are taught to strive for and continue to be the measure of their success. There is nothing wrong in being rich for as long as we have charity and do our best to alleviate the sufferings of the poor. To be in power either through the church, business or government hierarchy should not make one feel as if he holds the world in the palm of his hand. Jesus Himself said to Pilate that he has no authority except that which has been given to him from above. Popularity is not wrong in itself but it should be tempered with humility.
Everything had been given from above and we are merely stewards.
When we experience trials, difficulties, oppression and apathy while being faithful to Jesus, those are crosses meant to purify us and in the end save us. Little crosses are part of that one big Cross on Calvary borne to save us. The saving act of Jesus continues to this day and we celebrate it in all our Masses. When we carry our crosses out of love for Jesus and our neighbors, we unite these sacrifices to that of His.
Yesterday, I went home a bit later than usual because I had to pay some utility bills. As I opened the front door, the smell of something burning engulfed me. I hurried to where the stove was located and saw to my horror that there was a pot on it that was now blackened with soot. I turned off the stove immediately and looked for my children. No one seemed to be home except for my second child, John, who was lying down in bed and who seemed to be sleeping. I woke him up and asked him if he was the one who left the rice burning. He left the rice to boil but he felt drowsy and forgot about the rice. He left the kitchen to lie down on the bed till he fell asleep. I told him that he almost burned the house down by what he did. I also admonished him to never repeat the same mistake again. Next time, if he feels unwell, he should never attempt to cook anything. He may ask his siblings to assist him in cooking.
I keenly felt that our family was blessed by God in that moment. An accident nearly happened but it did not. Had I arrived a little later, our house, that was mostly made of wood, would have been burned to a crisp. A little later, I went to Mass. It was Ash Wednesday. What nearly happened made me feel vulnerable but I knew that I had to cling to God even more. That was a cross and God made no promises that there would be no more. When my partner Tony died on Feb. 6, 2009, his death became a cross, too, that I carry to this day. Jesus promised though that He would be with us always till the end of time. I will hold on to that promise and remember the words of Ash Wednesday as a guide to my own resurrection someday: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return." "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel."
THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain. Refrain: So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown. 2. O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above to bear it to dark Calvary. (Refrain) 3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me. (Refrain) 4. To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he'll call me some day to my home far away, where his glory forever I'll share. (Refrain) music and lyrics by George Bennard (1873-1958)
image from photobucket by PumpkiinBabii313
