40 Crosses for 40 Days: 13th Cross - The True Meaning Cross

Although we don't usually think about it, the Lenten journey is the second half of the Christmas story. What begins in wonder and glory, in nighttime visits from heavenly messengers, in shepherds and kings, will, after tremendous suffering and a bitter passion, also end with angelic visits, wonder and even more glory. That's the True Meaning of salvation history.

At Christmas, Jesus begins His journey to the cross by a taking on the body of a baby, a very young and helpless child. This was a deliberate teaching, as God could have descended to earth in any manner He chose. The readings at Mass yesterday emphasize a particular aspect of being a small child, namely the state of being humble, of being simple and open to instruction. The first reading from the prophet Isaiah admonishes the "princes of Sodom" and the "people of Gomorrah" to "wash themselves clean!" In fact, the tone of the first reading is somewhat like an exasperated parent trying to manage a tired toddler.

" 'Come now, let us set things right," says the Lord." (Is 1:18) Put another way, that statement sounds a lot like "Come on, let's get you into the tub and wash off all that muck. And then we can have some cocoa by the fire and a story before bed."

God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah says, "Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow. Though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool." (Is 1:18) This is God encouraging, even cajoling the children He loves to return to Him, to cleanse themselves and start again.

"Come now, let us set things right," says the Lord. (Is 1:18)

One of the mediations for February in Magnificat reminds us of the link between Christmas and Easter by repeating part of the Old Testament we typically hear in Advent. "And the people that dwelt in darkness see the great light; for God is with us. And you who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, light will shine upon you; because God is with us. And we have been given a Son; for God is with us. And the dominion will be on his shoulders; because God is with us.'
(From the Armenian Liturgy, reprinted in the February 2024 Magnificat) This paraphrasing of the prophet Isaiah tells us that the promise begun at Christmas is fulfilled at Easter.

Let us take the words of the prophet to heart and make a return to the Father who loves us by seeking to be like children again, who recognize the need for a good, hot bath, a nice supper and a chat by the fire, so that we can sleep in peace.

Let us pray: Holy Trinity, help us recognize the parts of our lives where we are acting like the princes and kings of this world, and guide our steps back to being children of Your house. Help us live our Baptismal promises of rejecting the devil and all his works, aid us in participating well in the Eucharist, and keep us open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. And in all things, let us praise you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.