the cross-word
"The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men who will put Him to death." —Matthew 17:22-23
Jesus revealed to His disciples His Passion, death, and resurrection. "At these words they were overwhelmed with grief" (Mt 17:23). When Jesus speaks to you about the cross, self-denial (Lk 9:23), dying to self (Jn 12:24), and redemptive suffering (Phil 3:10), what is your reaction? Are you sad? (see Mk 10:22) Are you afraid? (see Mt 10:28) Or do you find your joy in sharing Christ's sufferings? (Col 1:24; see also 1 Pt 4:13) Have you come to the point in your life that you "never boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ?" (Gal 6:14) "The message of the cross is complete absurdity to those who are headed for ruin, but to us who are experiencing salvation it is the power of God" (1 Cor 1:18).
Even after Jesus' Transfiguration, Jesus' apostles did not accept the message of the cross. After Jesus' death and resurrection, the cross was still rejected by Jesus' disciples. Only through Pentecost did His disciples let the Holy Spirit guide them to the truth of the cross (see Jn 16:13).
Come, Holy Spirit! Disciples of Christ, let us take up our crosses daily in love and with joy!
Prayer: Father, I will know nothing but the cross (1 Cor 2:2).
Promise: "Yet in His love for your fathers the Lord was so attached to them as to choose you, their descendants, in preference to all other peoples, as indeed He has now done." —Dt 10:15
Praise: St. Hippolytus was a schismatic. He later reconciled and gave his life in martyrdom.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, February 13, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 20, 2001