18 April 2025 - Only By Grace Reflections
#OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesforChrist
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Topic: Which cross does my life bring to others?
First Reading: Isaiah 52: 13 – 53: 12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 31: 2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25
Second Reading: Hebrews 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9
Verse Before the Gospel: Philippians 2: 8-9
Gospel: John 18: 1 – 19: 42
For a long time, the cross symbolized extreme shame, unbearable suffering, and a painful death. Figuratively, the cross represented hardship, sacrifice, and burden. Jesus referred to this when He said, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me."
Jesus completely changed the meaning of the cross at His crucifixion. The cross immediately became a representation of God’s self-giving love. From burden to blessing, shame to rejoicing, death to new life.
In our relationship with our loved ones and our neighbors, are we being a cross of burden to them, or a cross of blessing? Do we add to the load they carry, or do we lighten it instead? Do our words, actions, and choices put them down or uplift them?
