This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. As we do so, it’s important to transport ourselves back to the days of Roman rule when the Apostles walked the earth with Jesus. Imagine death sentences being commonplace and the type of execution a warning and a deterrent. Then, image that suffocating on a cross was one of the most excruciating ways to die. The cross at that time was a sign of shame, torture, and death.
Now, imagine how everyone, especially the disciples, felt knowing Jesus had been crucified. Then miraculously, three days later Jesus fulfills a great paradox of our Faith. He made his death on the cross the way to everlasting life. An image of death became a symbol of life!
“For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” (1 Cor 1:23)
I pray that we all be witnesses of the Holy Cross to those to whom we minister and that we all recognize the paradoxes that defy signs and human wisdom to strengthen our faith in our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Makana Aiona is the diocesan coordinator for Young Adult Ministry.