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| Friday, 9 April 2004 |
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The meaning of the Cross On this Good Friday let us reflect on the message of the Cross. In the New Testament of the Holy Bible the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians chapter one states that the crucifixion of Christ cannot be expressed in terms of philosophy. "The language of the Cross may be illogical to those who are not in the way of salvation, but those of us who are on the Way, see it as God's power to save. To some, the crucified Christ is an obstacle, to some it is madness but to those who have been called, Christ is power and wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:18-24). Even today, and in our own country too, the Cross is a sign of contradiction that it has always been everywhere. Some hate this sign while others ridicule it and still others try to destroy it. Trying to destroy it would only bring self destruction, because it is one that gives meaning to life. The Lord Jesus gave us a new commandment "love one another as I have loved you" replacing the Old Testament commandment "love your neighbour as yourself." The Cross is a very eloquent sign of that new commandment. The Cross is a constant challenge to the selfish, and to those who do not want to share; a challenge to those who refuse to forgive and are intent on taking revenge. And at the same time the Cross makes a loving invitation to all fallible, sinful human beings to repent and change their lives. The Cross is a life-giving sign that awakens the latent capacity to work and spend oneself for the well-being, happiness and consolation of others forgetting one's own hurts and sufferings even to the point of offering one's own life. Millions of people have found in the Cross the answer to their suffering. In our life's journey the Cross is a road sign. On this Good Friday we are reminded that Jesus is in solidarity with those who suffer. The Cross of Christ provides the answer to human suffering making it meaningful. No wonder then that the Lord Jesus beckoned his followers: "If anyone wants to follow me he should renounce himself, take up his Cross everyday and follow me." (Lk.9:23). The Cross, the instrument of torture and death on which criminals were crucified became such a noble and venerated sign, the sign of universal redemption, because of the self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the redeemer of mankind upon it. The Cross is the price Jesus the Son God paid because of his love for mankind in obedience to His Father, and because of his fidelity to justice, mercy and truth. There was no other way to show His love except by accepting suffering and eventually death on the Cross. Nevertheless, the self-sacrifice of the Lord Jesus upon the Cross was not the end of his life. The self-sacrifice of Christ impregnated with immeasurable love for mankind became the life-giving principle and force to raise him from the dead on the third day. Love cannot be killed! God is love and love is eternal. The Resurrection of Jesus, the Lord of love from the dead, is the foundation of Christianity that brought salvation to mankind. What should man do to merit salvation won by Christ? Is it thrust upon man who is endowed with free will? No. It is not forced upon man but remains a gratuitous gift given to those who repent of their sins believing in the forgiveness of sins in Christ and go on to renew their lives. Forgiveness however, is effective only to the extent of forgiving others. Anyone who receives pardon is bound in conscience to forgive those who offend him. The Lord Jesus taught this in the only model of prayer He gave: "Forgive us as we forgive those who sin against us." The Lord Jesus not only taught to forgive others but carried it out Himself, giving mankind the supreme example of forgiveness. What did He ask from His heavenly Father to do to those who misjudged Him, sentenced Him to death, inflicted untold suffering and finally nailed Him to the Cross where he would die? Did He ask for retribution, punishment or destruction for them? No. He asked rather for forgiveness. While hanging on the Cross bleeding profusely He pleaded: "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." This shows that He had gone to the extent of offering even an excuse for them. One might say that the Lord had tried to whitewash His own murderers. Could anyone think of a more noble example of forgiveness than this? The Cross therefore, has a very powerful message of non-violence. The crucifixion of Christ, the sinless one, invites man first of all to have the courage and humility to look at his own wrong doings or sin as well as at the sufferings inflicted upon him by the sins and injustices of others. Secondly it invites man to follow the supreme example of the crucified Christ to experience forgiveness in Him who grants salvation. The Cross therefore, will remain a sign of love, forgiveness and salvation until the end of time. - J. Winston S. Fernando, S.S.S. Bishop of Badulla. |
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