Good Friday: The Meaning and Significance of the Cross of Jesus Christ

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion: April 07, 2023

Reading: Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1—19:42

(Photo courtesy: Jean Marc Arkelian)

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/OQ16HDlrIPw

The Cross of Jesus Christ is the central symbol of Christianity and represents the crucifixion of Jesus, as well as his ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. According to Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified on a wooden cross by the Romans at Golgotha, a hill outside Jerusalem. As we commemorate this world event that took place in the Holy City of David 2000 years ago, let us look at the significance and relevance of Cross of Christ today and to our daily lives. The Cross of Jesus Christ is a symbol of love, sacrifice, redemption, and hope. It is a powerful reminder of the central message of Christianity and the ultimate expression of God's love for humanity.

1. Cross a symbol of God's love and grace

For Christians, in fact, more powerfully, the Cross is a powerful symbol of God's love and grace. It represents the ultimate act of selflessness and sacrifice, as Jesus gave his life to save humanity from sin and eternal separation from God. Through his death and resurrection, we believe that Jesus provided a way for people to be reconciled with God and receive eternal life.

2. Cross a rightful narrative of redemption

The significance of the Cross is also related to the concept of redemption. According to Christian theology, all humans are born with a sinful nature and are separated from God. However, through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, believers can be forgiven of their sins and reconciled to God. This belief in the power of the Cross has been central to Christianity for over two thousand years and continues to be a source of inspiration and hope for millions of people around the world.

3. Cross a reminder of Jesus' suffering for humanity

The Cross also serves as a reminder of the suffering that Jesus endured on behalf of humanity. Christians are encouraged to follow Jesus' example of sacrificial love and to embrace the suffering that comes with being a disciple of Christ.

In addition to its religious significance, the Cross has also become a cultural symbol that transcends Christianity. It is often used in art, literature, and music to represent themes of sacrifice, redemption, and love.

4. Cross an inspiration to artists and Musicians 

The Cross has been a source of inspiration for artists and musicians throughout history. Many famous paintings, sculptures, and songs have been created to honor the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Some examples include Michelangelo's sculpture "The Crucifixion of St. Peter," Johann Sebastian Bach's "St. Matthew Passion," and Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ."

5. Cross a symbol of hope and comfort 

The Cross is also a symbol of hope and comfort for many people, especially during times of hardship and suffering. It represents the idea that even in the darkest moments of life, there is still hope for redemption and healing. The Cross of Christ has always been a memory of Christ's passion to enter into one's life when one encounters persecution for one's faith in Jesus our Lord.

6. Cross a sign of unity and solidarity

In fact, the Cross has been used as a symbol of unity and solidarity. Christians around the world often wear crosses or display them in their homes or churches as a way of identifying themselves as followers of Christ. The Cross has also been used as a symbol of unity between different Christian denominations, as well as between different faiths.

Overall, the Cross of Jesus Christ is a symbol that has both religious and cultural significance. It represents the ultimate sacrifice of love and redemption, and it continues to inspire and comfort people of all faiths and backgrounds.

7. Cross a symbol of victory over sin and death

The Cross of Jesus Christ is not only a symbol of sacrifice and redemption, but also a symbol of victory over sin and death. We believe that through Jesus' death and resurrection, he conquered sin and death, and provided a way for believers to have eternal life.

8. Cross a symbol of humility and selflessness

The Cross is also a symbol of humility and selflessness. In Christian theology, Jesus willingly gave up his life on the Cross out of love for humanity, and Christians are called to follow his example by putting others' needs before their own. The Cross is a reminder that Christians are called to take up their own cross and follow Jesus. This means being willing to make sacrifices and endure suffering for the sake of others, just as Jesus did.

9. Cross a symbol of forgiveness

The Cross is also a symbol of forgiveness. It is our firm belief that through Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross, we can be forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God. This message of forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian faith and is a central theme of the Cross.

10. Cross a symbol of love

All the more, the Cross is a symbol of love. In the Christian faith, love is not just a feeling, but an action. Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross is the ultimate expression of love, and Christians are called to love others in the same way. Overall, the Cross of Jesus Christ has deep theological, spiritual, and cultural significance. It represents the ultimate act of sacrificial love and redemption, and it continues to inspire and challenge believers around the world to live lives of humility, selflessness, forgiveness, and love.

11. Cross a symbol of justice and reconciliation

The Cross of Jesus Christ also serves as a symbol of justice and reconciliation. Christians believe that Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross not only provides forgiveness of sins, but also paves the way for reconciliation between individuals and between communities. The Cross calls Christians to work for justice and reconciliation in their relationships and in the world.

12. Cross a symbol of transformation 

Furthermore, the Cross is a symbol of transformation. Christians believe that through faith in Jesus, they are transformed from being spiritually dead to being spiritually alive. The Cross represents the transformative power of God's love and the hope of new life.

13 Cross a sign of unity in diversity

The Cross is also a symbol of unity in diversity. Christianity has spread throughout the world and has taken on many different forms and expressions. However, the Cross remains a unifying symbol for Christians of all backgrounds and cultures, representing their shared faith and hope.

14. Cross a symbol of endurance and perseverance 

Finally, the Cross is a symbol of endurance and perseverance. Jesus endured great suffering on the Cross, and Christians are called to persevere in their faith even in the face of trials and challenges. The Cross reminds believers that they are not alone in their struggles, and that God is with them every step of the way.

In summary, the Cross of Jesus Christ is a symbol that encompasses many different aspects of the Christian faith, including love, sacrifice, redemption, forgiveness, justice, reconciliation, transformation, unity, and perseverance. It remains a powerful and inspiring symbol for Christians around the world, and continues to shape and transform lives to this day.

Having seen the meaning and significance of the Cross of Jesus Christ, let us now look at what the Cross of Christ means to us in our daily lives. Here are some of the concrete ways to look at the Cross:

1. Reminds us of God's love: The Cross is a reminder of God's great love for us. When we are faced with difficulties and challenges, we can look to the Cross and remember that God loves us unconditionally.

2. Offers hope: The Cross offers hope to us in times of despair. We can trust that just as Jesus overcame death, we too can overcome the challenges we face.

3. Encourages forgiveness: When we look to the Cross, we are reminded of the forgiveness that God offers to us. We can also extend that forgiveness to others who have wronged us.

4. Calls us to selflessness: The Cross challenges us to live selflessly and to put others' needs before our own. It reminds us that we are called to follow in Jesus' footsteps and serve others.

5. Motivates us to persevere: When we face challenges, the Cross reminds us that we are not alone, and that we can persevere with God's help.

6. Guides our decision-making: When we are faced with dilemmas and decisions, we can look to the Cross for guidance. It helps us to discern what is truly important in life and to make decisions that are in line with God's will.

7. Offers comfort: The Cross offers comfort to us in times of grief and loss. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is hope for healing and new life.

8. Inspires us to live a life of purpose: The Cross reminds us that our lives have a purpose and that we are called to live our lives for something greater than ourselves. It inspires us to live a life of purpose and to seek God's will for our lives.

9. Teaches us humility: The Cross teaches us humility and reminds us that we are not the center of the universe. It helps us to put things into perspective and to recognize the value of others.

10. Builds community: The Cross is a unifying symbol for Christians around the world, and it can help to build community and bring people together. It reminds us that we are part of a larger family of believers and encourages us to support and care for one another.

11. Provides perspective: When we face difficulties, the Cross provides perspective and helps us to see things in a new light. It reminds us that our present struggles are temporary and that we have hope for the future.

12. Offers peace: The Cross offers peace to those who seek it. It reminds us that even in the midst of chaos and turmoil, we can find peace in our relationship with God.

13. Calls us to action: The Cross calls us to action and challenges us to live out our faith in practical ways. It reminds us that faith without works is dead and encourages us to live out our faith in ways that make a difference in the world.

In summary, the Cross of Christ has practical significance in our daily lives in many ways. It inspires us to live a life of purpose and humility, builds community, provides perspective, offers peace, and calls us to action. It guides our decisions, offers comfort, and reminds us of God's love and forgiveness. It challenges us to live selflessly and to persevere in the face of challenges. The Cross is a powerful symbol that can inspire and transform our lives as we seek to follow Jesus' example.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, as I approach your cross, I love you and I want to be a good servant, but getting close to your cross is difficult. I resist responding gratefully. I resist seeing in your death the mystery of my life. When I behold you there on the cross I see the meaning of life. You are completely who you are there. Giving your life away you receive it. The grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying.

I see the meaning of my life. To love as I have been loved by you. To be your disciple is to take up my meaning and to follow you. To receive my life only by giving it away is to bear fruit that will last. As I embrace your cross please give me the grace to place my life in your hands and become day by day a servant of your own mission. Amen

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

March 30, 2023