CROSS IN MY HEART

1 Corinthian 1:17

Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel… so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.

As a child, I dreaded the “cross”, that is the x-mark in my test papers. That means “wrong”. And the more crosses you have (in red ink!), means the lower your grade will be. However, there is another cross that has a meaning that is more important that anything in this world. That is the cross where our Lord Jesus Christ suffered and died for our sins and salvation of man.

The sign of the cross is a mark of discipleship. Jesus says in Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

It is the symbol of self-denial. By doing the sign of the cross, you're saying to the Lord, “I want to obey you; I belong to you. You direct all my decisions. I will always be obedient to God's law, Christ's teachings and the Church.”

When suffering comes, the sign of the cross is a sign of acceptance. It is remembering that Jesus became a man and suffered for us and that we participate in Christ's suffering. The sign of the cross says, “I am willing to embrace suffering to share in Christ's suffering.”

What is the meaning of the cross to you? I hope that it is not just a wood (or plastic) ornament on your wall or on your altar. Let the cross remind you of our Lord’s love for you, me and the whole humanity.

Let us pray +

Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us to follow you not only to the Breaking of Bread but also to the drinking of the Cup of Your Passion. Help us to love You for Your own sake and not for the sake of comfort for ourselves. Make us worthy to suffer for Your name, Jesus, our Crucified and Risen Lord and Savior, now and forever.

Amen +

But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations.