THE MAGNETIC PRESENCE OF THE CROSS: 5TH SUNDAY OF LENT

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031818-year-b.cfm
On a crystal clear evening, I glanced out the window and noticed the brightness of the full moon. Its magnetic presence drew my attention as beams of light shot from the center in the form of a cross.  The scene was as if the heavens were declaring the glory of God.

Upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus declared: “And when I am lifted from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” The cross, forever embedded in the earth, stands as a magnet drawing the entire human race. Try as one may, no person can avert his or her eyes.

At once beautiful and horrific, this iconic symbol draws both believers and cynics. For the believer, the cross symbolizes new life and reveals the magnitude of God’s sacrificial love—drawing worship, reverence, and awe. For the cynic, the cross symbolizes death and represents the foolishness of God—drawing scorn, contempt, and disdain. With Christ lifted upon the cross, the clash between good and evil—power and weakness—life and death—thundered throughout the world.
 
Christ’s ways are not our ways. The cross upholds humility, meekness, service, and community. The world reveres pride, power, prestige, and individualism. The cross fosters sacrificial love and forgiveness—the culture of life. The world condones violence and revenge—the culture of death.
 
As parents/grandparents, we honor the cross by placing a crucifix in our home, making the sign of the cross at prayer, and venerating the cross on Good Friday. We guide our children to live humbly and sacrificially, as Jesus did on the cross. We teach our children of the cross as the way to new life. We proclaim the cross as our only hope!
 
The cross offers salvation, defines love, and interprets the meaning of life. Though we are not to judge, the cross casts judgment upon the world. We either turn toward the cross in faith or away from the cross in pride. If you desire salvation, turn toward the cross; its magnetic appeal will keep your eyes focused on Jesus, who takes away our sins and gifts us with new life. In Jesus, all glory comes through the cross. Now, that’s good news!
 
How will you teach your children about the cross?

How will you model a sacrificial life?