Print this page

Meditation Two Hundred Sixty Eight

The Third Week of April 2008

The Victory of the Cross

Begin with prayer to the Holy Spirit

Readings :

1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Colossians 2:14

John Chapter 14

In the Gospel of Saint Paul, as we have called it, which is Paul’s presentation of the life of Christ and its meaning for us, one of the most important and central themes is the victory of Christ by His Cross. Saint Paul is picking up here the very ideas that Our Lord used in Chapter 14 of the Gospel of Saint John, where He calls upon the Father to glorify His name on the eve of His Passion. For most of us most of the time, the idea of the Passion and death of Christ does not represent a victory at all: It represents a defeat. We all understand Christ’s glorious resurrection to be a victory, but it is Saint Paul who perceptively sees – even in Our Savior’s death – victory as well. This is the victory of destroying the sin of the world which has kept all of us captive. Christ’s victory on the Cross does not save him – that is done by the Resurrection – but it is a victory nonetheless, for in it, by divine love, He sacrifices Himself, and in so doing defeats the powers of darkness that rule the world. Saint Paul is very clear on this and describes rather dramatically how Christ has overcome the forces of evil by the power of the Cross, nailing to the Cross their decree against us. (Colossians 2:14)

It is important for us to realize that our salvation is very much related at every step to the suffering death, and glory of Christ. The Cross must be the sign of Christians everywhere. Some of the pagan writers say of the early Christians that they made the Sign of the Cross whenever they went in to a house or out of one, whenever they sat down for a meal. In fact, whenever they did anything they made the sign of the Cross. There is no reason for us to be ashamed of this beautiful tradition that goes back to ancient times. It is unfortunate that somehow during the Protestant Reformation the Sign of the Cross got lost. It was thought of as a superstition. This is by no means the case! It is the sign by which we are saved.

Quotation for Meditation

“Why, then, do you fear to take up the cross when through it you can win a kingdom? In the cross is salvation, in the cross is life, in the cross is protection from enemies, in the cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness in the cross is strength of mind, in the cross is joy of spirit, in the cross is highest virtue, in the cross is perfect holiness. There is no salvation of soul nor hope of everlasting life but in the cross.

Take up your cross, therefore and follow Jesus and you shall enter eternal life. He Himself opened the way before you in carrying His cross, and upon it He died for you, that you, too, might take up your cross and long to die upon it. If you die with Him, you shall also live with Him, and if you share His suffering, you shall also share His glory.

Quiet Time and Then Discussion

Questions for Meditation

1. How does Christ win salvation for the world?

2. Is the crucifixion of Christ an accidental event that took place in the course of His work of salvation or does it represent the central mystery of salvation?

3. What does the cross mean to you in your life?