A Cross of Radical Love

There are some today that are so eager to find themselves persecuted for Christ that they mistake consequences for crucifixion. We can also find ourselves quite comfortable to call down the serpents upon our enemies, so confident in our own understanding and righteousness.

Today’s feast where we Exalt the Holy Cross can so easily lend itself to such moments of self martyrdom and self-righteousness if we enter into it recklessly. We do so at our own peril and in utter disregard for what is within Scripture and most especially what we hear from the Gospel.

Today’s feast reminds us Whose we are. We are Children of the God who so loved the world that God the Son came to earth, gave us his life of teaching, healings, as Love Incarnate. We are siblings of that Love Incarnate who demonstrated what that love we are called to have for each other should look like – sacrificial, godlike, humble – as Jesus died upon the cross for us. And that through his Resurrection, we all have hope of eternal life with Living Love.

Amid seeing more children traumatized by violence in their school this week, there was good news as several children from Assumption in Minneapolis were released from the hospital. One was the little boy who shielded his best friend. I cannot help but find in his actions perhaps the most shining example of the selfless, boundless love of God. It is also an indictment upon all of us.

His actions are a reminder that the God of Love did die for us, but he also lived for us. We are called to follow in Jesus’ footsteps in our actions, our words. We are to be Children of the God of Love who live lives of love in action.

Today’s Readings