|
Exaltation of the Cross - September 14, 2014
Power of the Cross
Many philosophers and theologians over the centuries have tried to explain the power of the cross in terms of a system or a concept. Even the explanation in these studies depends upon an analysis of language. But no explanation, system, or concept can truly capture the power of the cross in Christian faith.
MP3 PODCAST In this week's audio podcast, we compare the symbolic power of the snake with that of the cross. The image of death leads to an image of life. How can this be? The answer is divine love
FIRST READING From the book of Numbers, the story of God's punishment and redemption come together in the image of the snake. Poisonous snakes attacked the Israelites for their disobedience. The bronze standard of a snake was a means of their salvation.
PSALM Psalm 78 recapped the story of the Exodus. The people complained then were saved. This simple story line seems to repeat itself in salvation history.
SECOND READING In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul inserted a hymn to Christ. The song celebrated how the Son of God emptied himself and humbled himself even to death on a cross. The Christ did this for our sake, so he received glory from his Father.
GOSPEL The gospel of John considers the true meaning of the cross. The instrument of shameful death led to the life of those who looked upon the Christ and believed.
CHILDREN'S READINGS In the story for the first reading, Jerri brought her boa constrictor to school for a science project. The students in her class reacted in sharply different ways. Jerri insisted there was nothing to fear, just like Moses did when he held up an image of a snake in the desert. In the story for the gospel, Tommy grieved at the news of his grandmother's death. The cross his grandmother gave him for his First Communion gave Tommy hope. Because Jesus was alive, so his grandmother lived. The cross Tommy wore reminded him of that fact.
FAMILY ACTIVITY Buy a cross craft project for your family. If it's a jewelry craft, remind your family members to wear their crosses with pride. After all, they are symbols of faith.
|
