My Dear Family,
In the first centuries of Christianity, the Cross was not “lifted up,” exhibited or venerated. Early Christians struggled to pay homage to the cross while many were still dying on them. The earliest images of Jesus, often mosaics laid in floors or walls of early house churches, were of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, or casting a net into the Sea.
On September 14th in 326 A.D., Saint Helen discovered the actual beams of Jesus’ crucifixion in Jerusalem. The account relates how a dying woman was laid on the three crosses and when healed on the third cross, they knew it was the real cross - the actual wood on which Jesus gave His life to heal us and set us free. Today, in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, it is possible to put your hand into the very square hole where the cross was slotted in to asphyxiate those hanging.
This weekend, we have the special honor of celebrating the Holy Cross, since the feast day coincides with Sunday. It is a chance to reflect on the beauty and the challenge inherent in our life. A disciple is one who follows. If you consider yourself a Christ-follower, a disciple, Jesus makes the invitation with the words, “If you choose to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” The way of the disciple is the way of the cross, following Jesus and striving to be faithful to the end.
During these past few weeks, the readings have set before us the paradoxes of Christianity - how the message of the Gospel (which is such Good News, such life-saving good news) is counter-intuitive and counter-cultural. A few weeks ago, Jesus came to sew division and fire. Next, Jesus taught that those who humble themselves will one day be exalted. Last week, the message challenged us to really consider if God is first in our lives, even before our closest relations, even before our own lives. Jesus cautioned perseverance that we might truly appreciate the cost of discipleship: “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Today, our focus is the Cross. Our glory comes in uniting ourselves to the One who gave His life for us.
Earlier in my own journey, I confused discipleship (following the Lord closely) with the call to consecrated life (as a brother and hopefully a priest). Only much later in life, do I now see clearly how all Christians are invited to be followers, disciples. We are all called and expected to use our gifts and talents to advance the Gospel. That is a universal calling. If the Gospel is going to be known - it will require all of us - not just the priests and religious. That was the clarion call of the Second Vatican Council, which reminded us of the Universal Call to Holiness. All the baptized are called to holiness and to transform the world into the kingdom.
Where do you find yourself on this journey? How is God inviting you to grow in grace? We call growing with God the S.T.E.P.S.: serve, tithe, engage, practice, share.
This weekend we invite you to step forward and say yes to growing with God in community. The “E” stands for engage: engage the faith, especially by joining a small group. Being a member of a small group helps the big parish to become small. Everyone can share and listen, hear and be heard, care and be cared for, growing as disciples together. It is not accidental that Jesus chose twelve closest followers to be apostles. This is our pattern, smaller groups that allow everyone to grow with God. Be courageous and step out in faith to try a small group. Next week, we kick off our fall season with a message series called: Teach us to Pray! We will be exploring that most fundamental Christian prayer - the Our Father. This is the perfect time to join an existing group, or even start your own, if that is what you are called to do. See the flyer to the right for more details, or sign-up in the vestibules at Church this weekend!
May God bless us on this journey!
Fr. Joel
SIGN UP FOR A SMALL GROUP HERE
