The Power of the Cross

Gospel Thoughts

*Lenten Season : Holy Week : Good Friday*

*GOSPEL -  John 18: 1-19: 42*

*FIRST READING - Is 52:13-53:12*

*Second Reading : Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9*

*The Power of the Cross*

*1) The Change of the position of the Cross*

We can always reflect the Cross before Jesus' crucifixion and Cross after the crucifixion of Jesus 

Before the crucifixion of Jesus Cross was a instrument of destruction, instrument of punishment, instrument of shame and insult, instrument of cruelty, instrument of terror, fear and anxiety, instrument of utter hopelessness and instrument of death 

But after the Crucifixion of Jesus, Cross has become the symbol of hope, salvation, love, sacrifice, service, inspiration, and courage. 

Today no one is frightened about the Cross and they love the cross. This is the power of the Cross 

*2) There is no place with out the Cross*

Once upon a time cross was found only among the Romans as a symbol of punishment and curse 

Today the cross is found everywhere. Where ever there is a Christian there is Cross 

Today hardly we find a country, where there is no cross. So  the Cross of Jesus has crossed all the boundaries and hurdles and the Cross of Jesus is found everywhere as a symbol of Hope and love 

So this is the power and miracle of Cross 

*3) There is nothing is found attractive, yet it attracts millions*

As we see the cross, there is nothing is found which is very attractive. 

The bloody body, full of wounds, blood oozing out from the body, the pierced side of Jesus, the sharp nails. So there is nothing which can attract a person in the Cross 

But such a Cross is attracting millions and millions every day 

Many people are inspired by the Cross, many peoples attention is cought by the cross and they try to reflect the Mystery of Cross and many people wonder at Cross. 

So it means, today cross has become the instrument of attraction, rather than fear and anxiety.  

*4) Cross and the Outstretched arms of Jesus*

The out stretched arms of Jesus is a powerful symbol, a symbol of welcome to His Kingdom 

The outstretched arms of Jesus is a never ending reality and it is always open for every one 

Jesus on the Cross, with his out strected arms, calls and welcomes everyone. 

This is the power of Cross of Jesus  

*5)  Cross can not be hidden under the bushel* 

Cross is not a thing to hide. But it is a powerful divine  instrument to project in the public

Cross is always found in the public place, from where it can capture the attention of others 

A Cross in the public place is a hope of salvation, hope of peace and a symbol of God's love 

Such is the power of the Cross of Jesus 

*How do I look at Cross in my life??*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*