Sign of the Cross
From today’s Scripture: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son….”—Jn 3:16
Symbols matter. In today’s Gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Son of Man must be lifted up so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. Jesus was speaking literally and figuratively. He must be exalted, he knew, to spread the message, but he also had to be literally lifted up upon a cross.
Among all of the various brands out there, today that cross is the most recognizable branding in the world. A cross, once a symbol of Roman execution, is now a symbol of God’s love through the sacrifice of his Son. Just looking at the cross doesn’t make one a Christian. Jesus tells us we must pick up our own and carry it. Today, let’s remember what Jesus did upon the cross, and what it means for us.
Let us pray: By your holy cross, Lord, you have redeemed the world. Lead me to believe deeply in you.
Today’s author is John Stegeman, Catholic communicator and frequent contributor to Glenmary’s communications efforts.
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