Feast of the Cross

TODAY THE CHURCH celebrates the feast of the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ. A great analysis of this celebration written by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III can be found here. The cross is such a simple shape, yet symbolizes so much for us as Christians. St. Paul stated: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

To me, the cross is the intersection of Christianity's stark contrasts. It extends up from the Earth to the heavens, and then stretches throughout the land. It is where humans are saved through God's suffering. It is how we find peace in hardships. It is how we wash away sins with blood. It is how grace and love overcame justice and reciprocity. The cross is where God died so that we might live. 

The cross is the key that opened heaven for us. Through bearing our cross, we will be saved. Life is difficult, "be we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." Therefore, the cross symbolizes hope. Hope in the Lord and the power of the cross, and "and all these things shall be added unto you."