I do not glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6.14
Just this past Monday as I walked through Prescott, I was able to cross King Street safely because good people put in a pedestrian crossing light. As a community, we strive to create a safe environment to protect human life.
Our beautiful parks, the fire hall, the legion, the health unit, and our churches are little crosses. For over 200 years in our community, countless saints have labored so that life may flourish. When we search for the crosses, we see them everywhere. Good, everyday people making sacrifices to love and serve one another, as Christ loves and serves us.
It is important for us to reflect, theologically, and look for the little crosses all around us in everyday life. We have to look for the crosses and ask God to reveal them to us. This takes the gift of Wisdom.
Our reading from Proverbs guides us:
Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice.
At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks.
Prov. 1:20-21
Once known, the cross appears everywhere. It is in the street, the square, the busy corner, in the park and at the fire department. We have to look for it through the eyes of Wisdom.
In this week’s Gospel reading from Mark 8.27–38, Peter initially acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, akin to the prophesied warrior King David. However, when Jesus speaks of his impending suffering and death, Peter rebukes him, unable to accept the notion of the Messiah enduring such a fate. Jesus responds sharply, “Get behind me, Satan!” This rebuke mirrors the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness, where Satan offered to glorify Jesus. Jesus gives the glory to God the Father. Jesus resisted these temptations, choosing obedience to God and the path of the cross.
Peter’s initial reaction highlights his misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission, yet he eventually comes to embrace the wisdom of the cross, which the world views as foolishness. Peter’s journey mirrors our own struggles and growth as disciples. Despite Peter’s failings, Jesus chooses him as an Apostle. This gives us all some hope. The readings from Mark and Proverbs urge us to recognize the presence of small, everyday crosses in our lives. They teach us to shift our focus from human to divine concerns. The cross symbolizes God’s solidarity with us in suffering, teaching us to sacrifice in love and to entrust our burdens to Jesus, who promises to bear them for us.
At night prayer, we recite Jesus’ words:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I willgive you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
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