loving through the shame
“He endured the cross, heedless of its shame.” —Hebrews 12:2
The translation of Hebrews 12:2 for today’s second Mass reading says that Jesus “despised the shame” of the cross (see Heb 12:2, RNAB, RSV-CE). Yet instead of shunning the cross, Jesus embraced it. Why would Jesus embrace something He despised? He despised sin, but for our sake He became sin (2 Cor 5:21). Jesus had a baptism of crucifixion to receive, and He was in “anguish” (Lk 12:50). Nonetheless, out of love for us sinners, Jesus hastened to come to our aid (Ps 40:14). His love for us sinful, rebellious people impelled Him to come and save us (2 Cor 5:14).
Though despising the shame, Jesus was willing to be considered a criminal, even a sinner (Jn 9:24). To be crucified was a shameful death reserved for criminals. Yet Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, endured the shame of the cross, out of unfathomable love for sinful humanity (see Rm 5:8).
The cross of Christ is a scandal and a shame. You may be faced with a choice of compromising your faith to avoid causing a shameful division in your family (Lk 12:51). Alternatively, you can choose to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 12:2) and stand firm in your faith, even enduring persecution as Jeremiah and Jesus did (Jer 38:6). Would you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 12:2), even if it meant division, persecution, and shame?
Prayer: Father, give me the grace to be able constantly to look to You, that I may be radiant with joy and my face may not blush with shame (Ps 34:6).
Promise: “He stooped toward me and heard my cry. He drew me out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud of the swamp.” —Ps 40:2-3
Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus! You welcome those who trust in You. All praise to You forever!
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 2025"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.