Good Friday Exalted The "cross"

Rev. Fr. Paul Lelen Haokip *

Easter Sunday at MBC Church, Chingmeirong, Imphal on April 8 2012 :: Pix - Phurailatpam Banti

INTRODUCTION:

"The message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (I Corinthians 1:18). This very sign has become a symbol of safety (vehicles, homes, farm, institutions etc.) and fashion for believers and non-believers. Ironically, most of the ghost movies are shot inside the churches, beside holy objects and symbols of Christianity. There is also a taunt for the existence of God.

This is a challenge pitched between the devil and God. Jesus said, "whoever does not take up his CROSS and follow after me is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:38). There is no choice in this passage. Either 'you are' or 'not'. That is one of the reasons, every catholic member makes the sign of the cross on the forehead, lips and chest (heart) whenever the Gospel is proclaimed in the Mass.

HOLY WEEK

A whole week-long immediate preparation to exalt the CROSS is the HOLY WEEK. The weak become strong during these days. Holy Week is a lesser known term than "Good Friday" while in fact, the latter comes only as part of the former. The ordinary Christian may merely wait for 'Good Friday' and 'Easter'.

The extraordinary Christian participates willfully along with penance in the Holy Week worship. The praxis oriented Christian meditates, implements and looks for a better way of Christian witness through the faithful observance of Lent, ending with the Holy Week and Easter.

Christian duty does not end there but extends to reaching out to inactive Christians and to the unchurched through faith-sharing and offering other communities the tools for personal and parish renewal.

CROSS: SYMBOL OF PEACE:

Colossians 1:20 says, "And through Jesus to reconcile all things for him making PEACE by the blood of his CROSS whether those on earth or those in heaven." The meek and peaceful Jesus was hung between heaven and earth but no word of curse escaped his mouth. Rather he said "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). That is a sign of great, calm and big hearted personality. The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, "This man was innocent beyond doubt" (Luke 23:47).

CROSS: SYMBOL OF ETERNITY:

A mere look of the CROSS tells us that the four directions point to eternity/infinity. They evidently point to the four poles of the earth – east, west, north and south. This element of diversity is able to connect the believers across the globe to merge in one faith, hope and love.

While the cross cannot be suspended in the air, the fact of being footed on the ground signifies God's firm ground on the well-being of human beings and the top vertical points to heaven – the abode of God. This firm relation between God and earth (humans) is the supporting pole for the horizontal pole that extends to humans across the earth. Looks like the two poles intermingle as components of the CROSS/ETERNITY.

CONCLUSION:

If GOOD FRIDAY has exalted the CROSS, then the elements of the cross namely – God, Earth, human beings are exalted too. That is why God said, "it is very good" after He fashioned human beings. This exaltation definitely exalts those who believe and venerate the Cross on Good Friday.

The symbol of shame became the symbol of victory. If not, why should the Christians install Crosses at the pinnacles of their churches?

More deeply, the crucifix (Jesus on the Cross) is the proud symbol of the Catholic Church which prompted the followers to install the crucifix in their churches, places of worship, pilgrimage centers, in their homes, as part of the rosary and above all to sign themselves before and after any prayer. This practice reminds them of the victory and power of Christ (Christianity).