John 3:14-15 - "And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A cross without the image of Jesus nailed on it. Others would argue that an empty cross should be the right manifestation of the cross. For them, Christ has already risen and ascended to heaven. Therefore, there is already no need to put Christ on the cross, even His image.
Well, a "picture" without the image of your loved ones who died would not be a picture. It would just be a piece of paper. A "box of chocolate" would not be called such without the chocolates - it would just be a box.
And so, the cross would not mean anything without Jesus nailed to it. It would just be a normal cross, wherein a lot of prisoners before Him were nailed on to.
The cross, or the crucifix that we look up to goes beyond the horizontal and the vertical that intersects. The crucifix is the the cross with the image of Christ nailed into it. It is NOT the cross of Dimas or Hestas or Peter. It is the Cross of Jesus that represents the love of God for mankind.
The next time we pray and subject our mind and spirit to the Crucifix, always remember the ultimate sacrifice that the Son has given so we may all be saved. The cross is just the instrument, but the image of Christ on that cross is the true manifestation of the love.
And as we look up the crucifix, we are reminded to also bear our own crosses daily, and to help others bear their crosses, out of love for God.
+ Let us pray: Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that He might draw the whole world to Himself. Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow Him; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen +
No comments:
Post a Comment