The cross element in the CROSS

 GOSPEL THOUGHTS

24th Week – Monday

Gospel – Matthew 3: 13 – 17

First Reading Numbers 24:4b-9

 The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

 

The cross element in the CROSS

1) Dictionary meaning of the cross

Cross is a mark, object, or figure formed by two short intersecting lines or pieces

Pass in an opposite or different direction; intersect.

Go or extend across or to the other side of (an area, stretch of water, etc.)

So it is very clear that there are two things which are placed in opposite direction - vertical and horizontal level. So one crosses the another one. 

2) The cross element in the CROSS

The cross element here means one things passes through the another thing. It touches the other and crosses to the other side of the thing.

Without crossing one thing by the another, or without crossing one thing by another thing, there cannot be the Shape of the CROSS

The cross element in the CROSS is very important, because without this cross element no shape of the CROSS is possible

3) Two things are necessary for crossing and for the shape of the CROSS

Either for crossing or to have the Shape of the CROSS  two things are necessary. 

With one thing either crossing or the Shape of the CROSS  is possible. 

These two things should have some close contact with each other. If the things are kept apart neither crossing will take place nor the shape of the CROSS  is possible

So passing though one thing by the another is very important for crossing and for the CROSS

4) The cross element in the CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST

In the CROSS  there are two beams. The vertical beam and the horizontal beam 

Both these beams should cross other or pass through each other to form a shape of the CROSS

Without this cross element no CROSS  is possible

5) The deeper meaning of the cross element in the CROSS

In the CROSS  of Jesus Christ the cross element has a very deep meaning 

Two beams stand for two different realities 

The vertical beam can identify the reality of God 

The horizontal beam can identify the reality of human beings 

In other words the vertical can stand for the relationship between God and Human beings and horizontal beam can stand for the relationship between Human to human beings 

Both these realities are very important and they must cross each other to have some kind of relationship. If they remain remain apart, there is no relationship at all. 

So crossing element in these realities is very important

6) The first commandment and the cross and Cross elements

Love of God and Love of the neighbor. Both are necessary for first commandment. The first commandment cannot stand only with one element. Both these elements are necessary and they should cross each other to form or to complete the First commandment. So the cross and CROSS element is seen clearly in First Commandment

7) cross element in the CROSS gives rise to the relationship

CROSS  always shows relationship between two realities and the element of crossing is necessary for the relationship

When two things are united the relationship begins. Both the CROSS  and the element of crossing give rise to the relationship

8) Life is full of CROSS  and the elements of crossing

First of all CROSS  symbolizes two realities. 

• Life has these two realities in every sphere 
• Strengths and weaknesses
• Good and evil 
• Happiness and sadness 
• Success and failures
• Birth and death 
• Gain and loss 

Secondly crossing of these realities are necessary. If they remain separate there is no meaning in life. So crossing is necessary. 

9) Final result is the Victory

Among two realities one may be weak, not so good, worldly or with limitedness. But when this weak side is crossed with powerful side, the divine, holy, eternal side, the result to victory. 

So the result of crossing is Victory

And the result of the *CROSS* is also Victory

Am I ready and comfortable in crossing?

How does the CROSS stands in my life? 

God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones.

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore