St. Paul’s suffering in Philippi becomes an opportunity to witness his faith in Jesus. This experience of the Cross of Christ brings life-giving joy, and it shows us the path that we often find in our own lives as well.
In the Cross of Christ we see the sign of the Greatest Love Story every told. May the love of God touch the hardness of our hearts as we gaze upon the Savior, who gave his life for our sins on the Cross.
Every year on Palm Sunday we hear the Passion of the Lord. Why? Because we need to be reminded of God’s remedy for our sins, so that we may stand at the foot of the Cross of Christ and repent…so as to receive his great gift of mercy.
Ezekiel’s great prophecy of hope is made possible through the words of the high priest Caiaphas – who reminds us that “it is better that one man should die instead of the people.” As we enter into Holy Week may we cherish the Lord’s sacrifice for our salvation!
To gaze upon the Cross reveals the face of God in Christ crucified for our sake. This symbol of death thus becomes our hope, that the one who takes the place of our sins will lead us to eternal life.
The Lord’s invitation to “Take up your cross” challenges us to see the struggles we face as a participation in the saving work of Christ. As we embrace our crosses may we also trust in God’s grace for the strength we need.
The Lord makes it clear that unless we take up our Cross we cannot be his disciples. Christ – who was victorious over his Cross – will give us the grace we need to face our own.
The death of John the Baptist reminds us of the cost of discipleship. Yet as we look at the Cross of Christ, we find hope and strength to face the hardship of life with the conviction of the Lord’s saving death and resurrection.
The crucifixion of Jesus reveals the depth of God’s love as Christ endured suffering and anguish which connects with all aspects of human cruelty, evil and sin. Furthermore, in the light of the Cross we can face the crosses of our own lives with hope: for just as Jesus was victorious over his Cross, the Lord will help us carry our own.
The cruel death of John the Baptist offers a brutal reminder that our world is filled with forces of destruction. In the face of injustice we keep our eyes fixed on the Cross of Christ, so that we can acknowledge the evil around us with the strength of the Lord who triumphs over it.