September is the time in the Church Year when we are reminded of the power of the Cross and the clear decisions we need to make to live our baptismal commitments. The structure of the cross is worth some pondering.
First there is a vertical beam. This connects heaven and earth. But it also separates: land from sea, light from darkness, possession from divestiture, power-over from compassion, going away from coming home, order from chaos.
Then there is the horizontal beam. It reaches out to gather in, like some continuous hug. And finally there is the Body. Someone is hung between the two beams, helpless, wounded, bleeding, with a heart open “like a window without shutters,” says Catherine of Siena, so that we can climb in and find refuge anytime. The One hanging on the Cross holds the two beams together.
No one seeks after pain, but suffering is different from pain. Suffering can be profound when there is no physical pain. Suffering can be love’s bonding no matter what the situation. It is key to taking on the maturing that molds us into a likeness with the Crucified…a breathtaking human beauty, like fire hidden beneath ashes. It is love’s artistry breaking open our self-centeredness, the unfolding of the clenched fist, the relaxing of the clenched jaw.
Watch for the suffering called for in these September readings as we pass the half-way mark of Ordinary Time, as we celebrate the feast of the Holy Cross, as we learn that our suffering is not a punishment, but love maturing us toward all we can be. This is the Power of the Cross.
No comments:
Post a Comment