"near the cross" (jn 19:25)
"He was known to be of human estate, and it was thus that He humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!" —Philippians 2:7-8
When at Mass, we are present at Jesus' death. This is because the Mass is not a new sacrifice; rather, it is the once-and-for-all sacrifice (see Heb 10:10, 12) of Jesus on Calvary made present today (see the Catechism, 1367). When at Mass, we are "near the cross" (Jn 19:25).
"Near the cross:"
- Jesus heals us (see Nm 21:9 and Jn 3:14), for by His wounds we are healed (1 Pt 2:24).
- Jesus is lifted up and draws all people to Himself (Jn 12:32).
- Many people believe in Jesus and receive eternal life (Jn 3:15).
- Jesus calls us to humble ourselves and to obediently accept even death for love of Him (Phil 2:8).
- "The earth quaked, boulders split, tombs opened. Many bodies of saints who had fallen asleep were raised" (Mt 27:52-53). Similar events occur today as we are near the cross at each Mass.
- Jesus gives us reconciliation and peace "through the blood of His cross" (Col 1:20; Eph 2:16).
- We are crucified to the world and the world to us (Gal 6:14).
When at Mass and near the cross, we are present at the greatest explosion of love of all time and at the explosion of love that transcends all time. Therefore, let us center our lives on the Mass and boast of nothing but the cross of Jesus (Gal 6:14; 1 Cor 2:2).
Prayer: Jesus, keep me "near the cross."
Promise: "Yes, 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: The 4,200 white crosses erected in front of a local church, representing the number of babies surgically aborted in one day, have helped people realize the gravity of abortion.
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