The cross is the central symbol of Christianity, but what does it really mean? The cross is not just a sign of suffering and sacrifice, but also a sign of love and victory. The cross tells us the story of Jesus, who is the Son of God and the Son of Man, who came to fulfill the promises of God to Israel and to the world. The cross shows us how Jesus shared a meal with His friends, washed their feet, and gave His life for them and for us. The cross also shows us how God raised Jesus from the dead, defeating the powers of sin and death, and inaugurating His Kingdom of justice and peace. The cross invites us to participate in this story, to receive God’s grace and forgiveness, and to follow Jesus in His way of humble service and faithful witness. The cross challenges us to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom, to seek God’s will on earth as in heaven, and to share God’s love with the world. The cross is not only a historical event, but also a present reality and a future hope.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the cross of Christ, the symbol of Your love and victory. We praise You for sending Your Son Jesus, who is both God and man, to fulfill Your promises and to save us from our sins. We thank You for raising Him from the dead, and for inviting us to share in His resurrection life.

Lord Jesus, we ask You to help us follow You in Your way of the cross. Teach us to love You and to love one another as You have loved us. Help us to serve You and to serve others as You have served us. Help us to witness for You and to witness to others as You have witnessed to us.

Holy Spirit, we ask You to fill us with Your power and presence. Guide us to live as citizens of Your Kingdom, to seek Your will on earth as in heaven, and to share Your love with the world. Transform us into the image of Christ, and renew our minds and hearts.

We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.