The Exaltation Of The Cross

Historically the cross is an instrument of torture and death. Our Lord Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross. Jesus Christ in turn nailed our sins to the cross (Col 2:14). After the death and the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the cross has become the symbol of our salvation and redemption. The cross is now the symbol of our triumph over sin and death.

The cross occupies a pivotal place in Christian life.  Christian life will be impossible and incomprehensible without the cross. A Christian life devoid of the cross is not authentic. A Christian message devoid of the cross is not a Christian message but some erroneous human speculation. The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (1Cor 1:18). St John Chrysostom says " the cross, is wood which lifts us up and makes us great ... The Cross uprooted us from the depths of evil and elevated us to the summit of virtue"

The cross is not something to be avoided at all cost.  We cannot be ashamed of the cross (the instrument of our salvation). The cross is not so much what we talk about but what we embrace and carry everyday of our lives. Like St Paul, every Christian is nailed to the cross with Christ (Gal 2:9). Every Christian must take the place of Christ on the cross and make up for whatever is lacking in the sufferings of Christ (Col 1:24). The only way to heaven is the way of the cross.