10/04/2024
Early Christians shocked and confused crowds when they carried crosses through the streets.
What we so often see today as a pretty symbol of freedom and faith was understood in Jesus’ day to be the most brutal, dehumanizing way to die. Roman citizens were exempt from the cross but Rome’s enemies knew well to fear it.
Still, with defiant hope, those early Christians paraded through towns throughout the vast Roman empire with their crosses boldly before them. The message was this:
We do not fear the cross. We accept it. We acknowledge it in all of its brutality.
And we do not fear.
We know something greater. We live and even die for something—someone–greater.
Jesus warned his followers that they would have trouble in this life. And he told them that they must pick up their crosses daily and follow him.
Why? And, what did he mean by follow?
We all know where Jesus ended up, right?
Can we really blame anyone for hesitating? For stopping short of those brutal nails? That suffocating, humiliating death?
“For the joy set before him, Christ endured the cross.”
It was from the cross that Jesus said,
“Forgive them, Father. They know not what they do.”
And it is through the cross that light broke into the darkness.
Brutal though it may be, we must all pick up our crosses if we hope to see the light.
This week, Jose and I spent our days sitting in Judge Hawthorne’s court for a civil case in which our company was accused of lots of nasty things. We are disappointed by the outcome and yet, surprised by joy.
From our seats in the courtroom, we had a clear view of the cross on the steeple of St. Joseph Church, a constant reminder of our call and our hope.
And I’ve never been more proud to be my husband’s wife.
He humbly and gracefully listened to testimony, gave his own, and heard the jury’s ruling.
All the while we got to stand together, aware of the protection of a host of angels and an army of friends encouraging and supporting and praying for us, all the parties in this case, and for our community.
We got to carry our cross, publicly and with defiant hope. By the grace of God, Josē accepted the nails and the humiliation with dignity.
And we forgive.
And we shine light.
And we praise God and thank him for Jesus Christ on the cross.
Maybe that’s shocking or just a little confusing.
Perhaps that is the point.
Do not despise your crosses, friends. We all carry burdens. And as we do, we must choose which way we go.
May you choose to follow the way of Jesus, grow ever closer to the Lord, and shine light wherever he leads you.
And may peace be with you, always.
