The Ultimate Paradox - September 15
Today’s Readings - Holy Cross Day Psalm 66; Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:11-17
Holy Cross day is not one of those days that in my experience many churches celebrate. I was made aware of it many years ago when I was contacted about a banner, I created for the Mississippi ECW delegation who attended General Convention. A priest had seen the banner and reached out to ask if he could include a photograph of it in a book he was writing about Holy Cross Day - the banner prominently featured a cross.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which was dedicated on the 14th of September 335, is thought to be built over the sites of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. Thus, September 14th “has become a day for recognizing the Cross as a symbol of triumph, as a sign of Christ's victory over death, and a reminder of His promise. "
This year at Saint Stephen’s Holy Cross Day fell on the day on which we recognize those in recovery from addiction or struggling to achieve a state of recovery. Our Recovery Sunday liturgy focuses on the grace of acceptance and forgiveness that is often denied those dealing with addictions. What better symbol when considering the grace of forgiveness and the hope of salvation than the cross? After Constantine legalized Christianity in the 4th century the cross became an outward symbol of not only Jesus’ sacrifice but also of the mystery of the gift of reconciliation and forgiveness of our sins.
Today when you enter our home, you are greeted by a whole wall of crosses, each one given to me, or bought marking a special occasion. Each of my children had one hanging over their bedroom door as a reminder of the blessing of Jesus’ love for each of them. The cross represents to me Jesus’ sacrifice but also the joy that comes with Jesus’ gift of love and forgiveness.
Today’s gospel speaks of the outpouring of love God has for us and the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made as an acknowledgment of God’s grace and forgiveness rather than condemnation for the sins of the world. These are the very same messages that those who need forgiveness and acceptance the most find so difficult to embrace.
The cross is a sacred and holy reminder that Jesus feels our pain, our grief, and our humiliation. It is also a reminder that when Jesus tells his followers, "take up your cross and follow me," that to take up his cross, there is a cost - they must deny themselves and be willing to suffer or even give up their lives for his sake.
The cross is the ultimate paradox – it is at the same time both a symbol of the worst that humanity can do and the most incredible, ridiculously generous, amazing gift anyone could ever offer or receive. Open your heart and breathe in the gitf of a lifetime!
faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - What is it that the cross represents for you? Do you ever think about the cross in terms of the responsibility it brings to those who carry it? How does your life reflect your response to Jesus’s commandment to take up his cross and follow him?