Jesus spoke again to His disciples of His cross and resurrection. "At these words they were overwhelmed with grief" (Mt 17:23). The first time Jesus had broached the subject of the cross, Peter brushed it off, and "Jesus turned on Peter and said, 'Get out of My sight, you satan!' " (Mt 16:23) After the third time Jesus brought up the cross, James, John, and their mother asked for a promotion in Christ's kingdom (Mt 20:18ff). The message of the cross did not register at all. Christ crucified continues to be "a Stumbling Block to Jews, and an Absurdity to Gentiles" (1 Cor 1:23).

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb 13:8). He continues to bring up His favorite subject, the cross. Do we refuse to listen, or do we boast in the cross? (Gal 6:14) Will we crucify our "flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24), or will we continue "crucifying the Son of God for (ourselves) and holding Him up to contempt"? (Heb 6:6) Through the cross, will we be crucified to the world and the world to us? (Gal 6:14) Will we take up the daily cross of Gospel poverty, penance and sacrifice, an austere life-style, fasting, forgiveness, evangelization, and Christian community? (see Lk 9:23) Let us live the way of the cross and pray with St. Francis of Assisi: "We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world."

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 22, 1999

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 24, 1999