GLORY IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

GLORY IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

(A biblical reflection on the 14^th Sunday in Ordinary Time [Year C] – 3 July 2022)

Second Reading: Galatians 6:14-18
 
First Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalms: Psalm 66:1-3a,4-7a,16,20; Gospel Reading: Luke 10:1-12,17-20 or Luke 10:1-9 [short version].
 
The Scripture Text
But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.
Henceforth let no man trouble me, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.(Galatians 6:14-18 RSV)
 
“… the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14)
 
Throughout his Christian life, Saint Paul sought to make Jesus’ victory on the cross his highest boast. For Paul, nothing else really mattered since nothing else could really save him. Paul came to understand that the sacrifice of Jesus’ life was the “source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9).
 
Paul saw “glory” in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ because he experienced the freedom it brought from sin and the power of evil in the world. So when he spoke of being “crucified to the world” (Galatians 6:14), Paul was not referring to the material world, which God created as good. For Paul, “the world” referred to the attitudes and behavior of people who were hostile to God and opposed to His truth. So, people whose lives are centered around materialism and consumerism – or those who do not see the wrong in racial discrimination, sexual exploitation, or abortion – all reveal the influence of “the world”, both on an individual and a corporate level.
 
In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Origen [184/185-253/254] wrote, “Our mind is renewed by the practice of wisdom and reflection on the word of God and the spiritual understanding of His law. The more we read the Scriptures daily and the greater our understanding is, the more we are renewed always and every day.”  The Holy Spirit wants to give us insight that distinguishes light from darkness in the world around us. He wants to give us the courage to put to death whatever stands in opposition to His truth and will for our lives.
 
In the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ we can discover the love that conquers every fear, the power that overcomes every sin, and the hope that convinces us of our share in God’s own glory. Saint Rose of Lima [1586-1617] once said that “apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may go to heaven.” Therefore, let us ask the Lord to renew our faith in the transforming power of the cross.
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, I rejoice in the victory of Your cross and the freedom You have won for me. I give You glory for showing me the way to the peace, joy, and righteousness of Your Kingdom. Amen.
 
Jakarta, 2 July 2022
 
A Christian Pilgrim
 
 

 

MATTHEW 9:17 (Today’s Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:14-17)

Jakarta, 2 July 2022

A Christian Pilgrim