YOUR CROSS: YOUR SALVATION

 *Thursday September 14, 2023* 

 *EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS (FEAST* 


First Reading. Numbers 21: 4-9

Psalm. 78: 1-2, 34-38 (R. cf.7b)

Second Reading. Philippians 2: 6-11

Gospel. John 3: 13-17


TOPIC FOR REFLECTION


 *YOUR CROSS: YOUR SALVATION* 


Every stage of life has its cross 

Every single day has its cross 

Every step you take has its cross 

Every choice you make has its cross 

Every vocation has its cross


In all, the challenges we face daily at the present stages of our lives are the crosses we are to bear.

The good news is that every cross has its divine grace.


Therefore, every single individual has one cross or the other to carry; no one is crossless in life, and I assure you that every cross is always heavy for the person carrying it.


Now, let us reason together. 


1. If Jesus can carry His cross, why not you?

2. If the weight of the cross weighed  Jesus down, why will your cross not also weigh you down?

3. If Jesus fell 3 times under the weight of the cross, should your falling many times become new to you?

4. If Jesus stood up and staggard on, you are also expected to stand up from your fall to move on.

5. If Jesus was nailed, tortured, killed and died on the cross, know that your cross will bring you pain, sorrow, tribulations, fatigue, shame, disgrace,  etc.

6. If Jesus was exalted above all other creatures, know that your cross will win you salvation.


Invariably, a crossless person is a Christless and crisis person. 

Similarly, do not become envious of another person's cross, it will not only weigh you down but will destroy you.


At every cross, the grace of God is sufficient, and on your cross is your salvation.


So, no cross is easy to carry in life, you can never know the weight of a cross until you carry it. Often we say, Some are better than me, Hmm, if only you knew the cross that such a person you admire is carrying, you would thank God for your life and gently mind your cross 


This is just to bring to our notice that Jesus turned the Cross into Crucifix, hence to gain salvation, there must be a cross. The cross is synonymous with Christ, more reason we often say that a crossless person is a Christless person. 


Summarily...


No Cross, No Christ

No Cross, No Salvation

No Christ, No Salvation.


I guess we all know this famous song


1. On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross

The emblem of suffering and shame

And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain


Chorus: … So I'll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross)

Till my trophies at last I lay down

I will cling to the old rugged cross

And exchange it someday for a crown


2. To the old rugged cross, I will never be true

It's shame and reproach gladly bear

Then he'll call me some day to my home far away

Where his glory forever I'll share


Chorus: And I'll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross)

Till my trophies at last I lay down

And I will cling to the old rugged cross

And exchange it someday for a crown


Source: Musixmatch


 *Peace ✌️ be with you.* 


 *Rev. Fr. Segun Oladeji, CRS.* 

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