"when i behold the wondrous cross..."
"He humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!" —Philippians 2:8
We sing: "When I behold the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride." At the cross, our values change, and we get in touch with reality. At the cross, we humble ourselves. Through the cross, Jesus' name was exalted above every other name (Phil 2:10), and we who believe in the crucified and glorified Jesus share in His exaltation. Those who humble themselves at the cross will be exalted (Mt 23:12).
We sing: "At the cross, at the cross, there's a precious fountain." When we behold the wondrous cross, we receive the living waters of the Holy Spirit (Gal 3:1-2). We are bathed in healing (see Nm 21:9), faith, and eternal life (Jn 3:14-15).
We sing: "Lift high the cross! The love of Christ proclaim." We must know nothing and say nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2). We must boast of nothing but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ through which we have been crucified to the world and the world to us (Gal 6:14).
Each day of the rest of your life, prayerfully look at an image of Jesus on the cross. Let the crucified Jesus speak to your heart. "Behold the wondrous cross."
Prayer: Father, let me "bear the brand marks of Jesus in my body" (Gal 6:17).
Promise: "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life." —Jn 3:16
Praise: "We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world."
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, February 17, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 25, 1998