24th SUNDAY C/ EXALTATION OF THE CROSS
THE CHALLENGE OF THE CROSS
JN 3: 13-17
MESSAGE
The Sign of the Cross marks every moment of our lives. We use it when we pray, when we Confess, when we bless people and things, we received it from when we are baptized until we depart from this world. The Lord Jesus made it clear as we heard in the gospel last Sunday, that without carrying our cross, we cannot be his disciple.
The symbol of the cross we use in prayer and in liturgy is also a reality that happens in our lives. This happens when we confront the crosses of sickness, difficulties, and when problems, personal or societal arrive. No person is exempt from the shadow of the cross. When we go through life’s tribulations, we look up to the cross of Jesus to get relief and inspiration just as the Israelites looked up at Moses’ serpent in the desert. The Cross of Jesus is the effective sign of God’s love for us to whom he gave his Only Son for our salvation, healing, and restoration.
Do you know that for some people the cross is not just a personal challenge at home, in school, or in the office? Today in many parts of the world, there are followers of Jesus who must cling to the Cross, fight for the Cross, and even die for the Cross. I am referring to Christians, Catholics or Protestants, in Nigeria, Nicaragua, in Syria, and other parts of the world who are persecuted because they are followers of Christ; because they are followers of the cross. Whether it be under Islam or totalitarian governments or intolerant ideologies, our brothers and sisters there suffer as martyrs for their faith in Jesus Christ and his church.
Many times our faith challenge is merely to pray intensely in moments of doubt and temptation, to reserve time for our Sunday obligation, or to be faithful to our daily commitments to love and service. Persecuted Christians however, face the challenge of death, expulsion, torture, imprisonment, or slavery because they will not forsake their faith in Christ. They need our support. They need our prayers.
REFLECT
This Sunday, let us pray to be true followers of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. In a special way, let us remember and pray for Christians who face violence and hatred for the Cross they embrace in their hearts. May we be aware of their sufferings for the faith and gain inspiration from their strong adherence to the Cross of Jesus.
