Matthew 16
There are probably few Christians who have heard Jesus saying “Take up your cross and follow me” only once. The crucifix is in every room of our homes. Every time I look for a parking spot at a mall, I find the rosary and the crucifix hanging on the rearview mirrors of cars. Christian life without the cross sounds like Christianity without Christ.
However familiar the cross is to Christians, each Christian has to identify his cross. But before this, each Christian should know first the nature of the cross. This is to know the nature of Christ’s cross. The cross of Jesus symbolizes his life-sacrifice for the forgiveness of mankind’s sin. It was not a punishment for any of his fault or sin because he was absolutely sinless. Christ’s cross reveals the essence of bearing the cross: it is a redemptive act for others’ sins. When we say we bear our cross and follow Jesus, it doesn’t mean we punish ourselves for our sins and have faith in Jesus. Rather, we suffer for others’ salvation as Jesus did for mankind.
Thus, carrying one’s cross has a specific purpose – others’ salvation through my sacrifice. It is not sufferings for others’ entertainment or profits. This is called oppression or exploitation. We cannot keep silent about these injustices. In the meantime, bearing one’s cross is not temporary suffering for self-promotion or self-interest, either. Carrying one’s cross is an act of self-giving, not self-benefitting.
But, what about sufferings we do not choose like handicaps, diseases, accidents, or natural disasters? Often people have to spend the whole life carrying these sufferings. Or what about unborn babies killed in abortion? Can they bear another cross? I think these special people are invited to join Christ in his cross – suffering for others’ salvation without their sins and faults. As long as they put their faith in Christ and accept their unavoidable sufferings, thus joining themselves in Christ’s cross, they work with Christ for the salvation of mankind.
Now, it is time to sit down and discern my cross.
