Triumph of the Cross in Basilica San Clemente, Rome
Article Tools
- Text Size
- Add a comment (1)
- Print this article
- Email this article
Try to imagine the paradox: The cross, an instrument of extreme cruelty and disgrace, has become God's instrument of triumph and glory. With the battle over sin and death accomplished, Jesus now sits exalted in glory at the right hand of the Father.
Because of Jesus’ submission to the will of the Father, even to the point of death, he has won the victory of all victories. His death put an end to death. His suffering has dispelled our darkness. By Jesus’ victory, God’s plan is accomplished. Jesus’ last words from the cross—“It is finished” (John 19:30)—rang out as a proclamation that the old creation, grown weak and tired in sin, was ended. A new creation in his risen life was about to begin, and we are all heirs of that new creation—the people he won through his death on the cross.
We who have been “bitten” by the serpent and have the poison of sin in our veins are called to look with faith upon the crucified one and be healed (Numbers 21:4-9). We are invited to look at Jesus’ wounds, to…
The full article is available to subscribers only
Access all articles, daily meditations and readings, as well as special resources, by becoming a subscriber. View subscription options.
Special Offer: 2 week free web-only trial subscription. Sign up now.
Existing Print & Web-Only Subscribers: Login for full access.
I praise and thank God for this wonderful feast of the Triumph of the Cross. I totally agree that this feast day is indeed among the brightest days of all human history. I must admit that I always want to reject the crosses of my life. I naturally dislike my emotional sufferings, my pains, my daily difficulties and my problems of everyday. In short I don’t like the cross. But as I make a stop in my life and look at Jesus on the cross with the eyes of faith, it makes me look deeply into the very core of my being. Here is the Son of God taking off his robe of majesty, taking my human nature, suffering and dying on the wood of the cross for my sins! He is there because of his love for me and humanity!
I am going through a very difficult moment in my life today and I am so grateful to the Lord for the grace of experiencing the healing power of his cross during this time. As I gaze upon the wounded body of Jesus hanging on the cross, what I see now is hope, forgiveness, and love—pure and unconditional love. In his wounds I now see my own wounds and the wounds of my family and of humanity.
I can hear in my heart his voice saying to me, “Come, carry your cross and follow me.” Even with my tendency to reject my cross today, Christ melts my heart and invites me to embrace my cross with him. I realize now that the cross was not the end. The Cross of Christ is the beginning of new life! Thank you, Jesus for the hope that your cross brings to my life. As I live out my role as a father, as a husband, as a professional, may your cross be ever in my heart. I claim the healing of your Cross! I claim the victory of your Cross! You did not give up even at the face of death. You were obedient to the Father until the very end. I believe that you also are not giving up on me now. Amen Lord! Thank you, for strengthening me as I carry my cross with you today. Amen!
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18)