Cross, the Language of Love.
“For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.“For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him. – John 3: 16-17
14 September 2019, Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
THE HEALING and TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE CROSS.As we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, we are called to embrace the Cross as the means to salvation. Only by carrying our cross for the love of humanity and of God, can we bring about real transformation in our own lives and in the lives of others. How do we cope with suffering and privation in this journey of life? Have we really reflected on the meaning of the cross in our lives? –Archbishop Goh
Photo: The photo taken at Chapel of Missionaries of Charity in Phnom Penh, Cambodia during my audit fieldwork for a development project. Contemplating Lord Jesus Christ from the cross gave me strength to my tired weary soul and to carry on to the tasks put on my shoulder. Daily morning before going to my audit fieldwork, I gazed at the Cross and seek refuge and strength at the Eucharist – the Bread of Life- the Body of Christ. Moreover, Lord Jesus revealed to me his love in action; at Missionaries of Charity I have encountered children –some disabled. Despite their situation they were full of joy. Their faces are filled with smile. It is a manifestation that they received love as the Sisters brings Christ to them. Here the children are thirsting for love and care and the disciples of Christ (Sisters of Missionaries of Charity) satiated that thirst.
From the Cross, Lord Jesus Christ said, “I THIRST” (John 19:28). He represents the Cry of the Poor and he is calling us to answer the thirst of the poor. That encounter strengthened me on how to carry on in daily mission- carrying the cross at work, family, study, community service and relationship. Cross is the language of love. Jesus said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16: 24). Life is a journey carrying the mission of love – the cross of love. At the end of this journey of life, like Jesus Christ from the Cross, we will utter “IT IS FINISHED”(John19:30) and surrender our life to Our Father in Heaven – “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:44)
(Written by: Shirley Paynor)