no loss at this cross
"He humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross! Because of this, God highly exalted Him." —Philippians 2:8-9
John's Gospel particularly highlights the exaltation of the cross of Jesus. John proclaims that the cross is:
- the throne from which King Jesus inaugurates His victorious Kingdom. On the cross, Jesus is publicly, officially, and universally proclaimed as King, in no less than three languages (Jn 19:19-22),
- a place of healing (Jn 3:14),
- the catalyst for faith leading to eternal life (Jn 3:15),
- where we finally recognize that Jesus is God (Jn 8:28),
- the place where Jesus draws all to Himself (Jn 12:32),
- where King Jesus commissions Mary as the Queen Mother, who in the Old Testament has royal authority, to disciple and serve as a mother to His subjects (Jn 19:26),
- the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Jn 19:24), and
- the victor's stand from which Jesus speaks of accomplishment, completion, and final triumph (Jn 19:30).
As a subject of King Jesus, you are called to bear a daily cross (Lk 9:23). Do you carry your cross in such a way that it proclaims to everyone that "Jesus Christ is Lord"? (Phil 2:11) You are blessed with the unspeakable privilege of sharing in the victorious cross of King Jesus (Phil 1:29). Therefore, glory in the cross and carry your cross so as to triumph (1 Cor 9:24).
Prayer: King Jesus, grant that I may carry my cross in a way that proclaims You as Victor rather than a heartless taskmaster.
Promise: "He, being merciful, forgave their sin." —Ps 78:38
Praise: All hail King Jesus! You are "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Rv 19:16). Alleluia!
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 14, 2007
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