Cross : a Sign of Unity*

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Third Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 3:13–17*

*First Reading : Nm 21:4b–9*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38*

*Second Reading - Phil 2:6–11*

*Cross a Sign of Unity*

*1) Cross - Unity of God and Man*

Cross becomes the instrument to unite God and Man 

With the Cross, new life begins and the unity which was broken between God and man, because of sin, was restored. So Cross is a sign of Unity 

The wooden cross, which was prepared by human beings also represents the entire humankind on the Cross

*2) Cross : Unity of the Universe*

The wooden cross, represents the nature from which the wood was used. 

The tree represents the entire universe. When Jesus embraced the Cross and died on it, the unity between God and the Nature becomes very Strong

*3) Cross which carried Jesus*

The Cross which carried Jesus becomes the external sign and symbol to the entire world 

Today anywhere in the World the moment we see the Cross, it unites, the Christians and we take pride in accepting Cross as our great Symbol 

With one Cross, the entire world, the Christians, form one family. Cross becomes a powerful symbol of unity to the entire world

*4) The Cross will remain forever*

The moment Jesus died on the Cross, it became a eternal symbol

Since Jesus is eternal, Cross becomes eternal

Since Cross can't be separated from the life and mission of Jesus, Cross will remain forever 

So Cross creates a new unity with eternity, which is our destiny

No one can destroy the Cross, and its power 

*5) The Carrying of the Cross*

First Jesus carried the Cross to the Mount Calvary

In the Mount Calvary, Cross, carried Jesus 

Today both Cross and Jesus, have become the sign of hope, new life, unity, eternal life and Holiness

With one Cross, Jesus united many things for our sake 

*6) Cross a Sign of Multiplication*

(➕) This symbol always increases and it never deducts 

It does not increase the (➖) minus things. In other words, Cross will not increase, the negative things. Cross does not have a formula to increase (➖) minus things 

➕ represents the positive things and the increase. Like wise Cross represents the positive and the increase of positive things 

When there is unity Cross exists (➕). It increases everything

When there is disintegration cross does not exist. But only  (➖ ➖) independent things exists

Cross increases the happiness

Cross increase the love

Cross increases sacrifice

Cross increases humility

Cross increase the truthfulness

Cross increases service

Cross increases holiness

Cross increase the generosity

Cross increases forgiveness

Cross increases goodwill

*7) Cross A Ladder to Heaven*

Cross is a ladder, prepared by Jesus, which easily connects Heaven and Earth 

The engineering of this ladder is so fantastic and marvelous

This ladder is shortest in the World, which connects the longest distance 

It has two beams with one step in the middle, which connects the Longest distance 

One who is able to climb this first step is able to climb the ladder and reach heaven 

The first step is rather long and has more distance than the top part. 

One who climbs the first step can easily enter the Heaven, since from the first step to heaven the distance is very Short

Cross is also a two dimensional ladder which connect both God and the Neighbor. 

The Vertical ladder connects man to God 

Horizontal ladder connects one to his/her neighbor

I take pride in the Cross of Jesus. I am lucky to embrace the Cross of Jesus, which is the instrument of my Salvation

*➕Hail Holy Cross of Jesus➕*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*