EXALTATION OF THE CROSS

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

Jn 3:13-17

For some it has become a fashion accessory (an earring or a necklace). The cross then becomes meaningless. Instead it should become a silent proclamation of faith. It was said that when King Ferdinand III re-conquered Cordoba from the Muslims, he ordered that at the entrance to the city, the Cross should precede the royal banner. When I was young, I would often see our neighbour make the sign of the cross whenever she leaves the house. It was as if she was entrusting herself to God to keep her safe. That is a sign of faith. When I ride the jeepney, I would sometimes see a passenger make the sign of the cross upon passing a church. That is a sign of faith.

The cross has been a subject of art. At the Plaza Santa Cruz in Sevilla, Spain, we find a fine iron filigree cross. It was crafted by an expert iron smith as a reminder that a church once stood there but now is no more because Napoleon’s army destroyed it. Salvador Dali has painted a unique crucified Christ. He is suspended in space and is looking down on Lake Galilee. These representations are pleasant to look at. They are beautiful to behold. Unfortunately, they tend to hide the gruesome reality of the crucifixion. Christ crucified on Calvary was a shocking sight. We may need to watch The Passion of the Christ in order to wake us up to the fact that Good Friday was all blood, gore and excruciating pain. Calvary was not a walk in the park.

What does the cross tell us? Some theologians say that the cross tells us that sin must be such a terrible thing that it can and did put the Son of God to a terrible death. Others say that the cross teaches us that the disobedience of Adam was set right by the obedience of Jesus Christ. The obedience of the beloved Son cancelled out the disobedience of the first man.

In the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Paranaque (Philippines), you will see a cross painted on the wall of the main altar. But instead of a crucified Christ, we will see a glorious risen Christ. This representation reminds us that calvary was not the end of the story. The story of Jesus did not end with the cross. The story of Jesus ended with his resurrection and ascension. This is in keeping with John’s gospel. Whenever he speaks of the glorification of Jesus, it was about his suffering, death, resurrection and ascension.

What has this got to do with us?

1. We are asked to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. But that is not the entire Christian life. There is also the resurrection and the ascension. Yes, there must be sacrifice. But there is also joy and celebration in the Christian life.

2. All’s well that ends well. The story of Jesus ended with his resurrection and ascension. It’s comparable to the ending of fairy tales-and they lived happily ever after. That is also the ending of the Christian life. Heaven waits for us.

3. After Good Friday comes Easter Sunday. After night comes day. After the storm comes the sun. Suffering and problems are a part of life. Whether you are a believer or an unbeliever, you will have your share of life’s troubles. But you must hold on. You must not give up. You must keep faith. For this too will pass.