Don't Cross off the Cross

As every writer knows, an editor will often cross out an irrelevant phrase as a journalistic blunder. Jesus, our divine Editor, crosses out, by his cross, our moral blunders called sins. However, having Jesus cross out our sins is not enough. We must be sure not to "cross off his cross" by refusing to take up our own cross willingly like Jesus. Our Lord warns: "Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me" (Mt 10:38).

Our bill of debt was nailed to the cross by Jesus. who "made a public spectacle of [the powers of evil]. triumphing over them by the cross" (Col 2:14-15). The cross is thus the symbol of Christianity - the vehicle, so to speak, of our redemption. But it is also the prototype of every Christian's suffering, for all are called to "share Christ's sufferings" (1 Pt 4:13), NAB). Hence, to refuse to take up one's cross is to refuse the Christian obligation and privilege to "participate in Christ's suffereings."

Jesus has said that life's crosses are unavoidable (see John 16:33), but that we can choose to refuse to bear those crosses willingly, and thus be unworthy of being Christians. If you're tempted to "cross off the cross," prayerfully walk with him "who for the joy set before him endured the cross" (Heb 12:2).l

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net