Will You Choose the Cross?

The cross is the core symbol of the Christian faith. It signifies Jesus’ sacrifice for the sins of all men. We are called to embrace the cross.

St. Edith Stein, a Jewish Catholic nun born in Germany, wrote in 1942: “One cannot acquire knowledge of the cross unless one begins by really suffering the weight of the cross. From the very beginning, I have had this inner conviction, and I have said from the bottom of my heart, Ave crux, spes unica [Hail to the cross, our only hope].”

By embracing the cross, we choose a victorious life. Jesus defeated death on that cross to that we can have life. The Bible says, “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (I Corinthians 15:54). Embracing the cross doesn’t assure us of a life without trials and suffering.  Jesus spoke very candidly about the life we will have if we follow Him. In John 16:33 He said, “In the world you will have tribulation” but He then adds, “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Will you choose the cross? What are you really giving up if you choose Jesus’ cross? A better question is: “What will you be giving up if you don’t choose the cross?  Jesus tells us, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 10:39).

“Will you remain faithful to the crucified? Consider carefully! If you decide for Christ, it could cost you your life” (St. Edith Stein).

Choose life today by embracing the cross of Christ.

—Naomi Knoles

Maxim of the Moment

The bankrupt man is the man who has lost his enthusiasm. - H.W. Arnold