Remember the Cross

On this Friday, in the midst of Easter Time, we cannot forget the cross. To get to the resurrection, Our Lord had to go through the cross. To some, the cross may be seen as instrument of punishment, suffering, and pain, but to those who believe, the cross is the "Tree of Life." That is what Saint Basil tells us by this quote: "In the resurrection the counsel of nations, of Pilate and his soldiers, and of whoever was active in the matter of the cross was brought to nought" (Magnificat, 207). They thought the death of our Lord would end all that he lived and preached and even the disciples would disband, but that is not the case. Jesus, as he promised, has broken the bonds of sin and death. His death on the cross has won for us our salvation and the forgiveness of our sins! Each Friday we remember the cross but we need to each day of our lives because as disciples we are called to carry the cross and follow in the footsteps of our Lord. With the cross comes resurrection and new life. Let us not be afraid to pick up and carry our cross because the Lord is with us at all times. We always know, as the song says, that one day we will exchange our cross for a crown! Have a blessed day!!!