Just A Thought Or Two . . .
The Cross is a Sacred Sign of Our Salvation
Doug Webster tells a powerful story about a young man he met in his photography class at the University of Cincinnati. His friend, Charles Murray, was training to be a champion high diver for the summer Olympics.
Charles did not grow up in a religious home. There were no Sunday services, holy days, prayers, or even discussions about God. Doug would often talk about his growing up years and his faith experiences. This was all very new to Charles and he asked many questions.
One day Charles decided he wanted to read the Bible. Charles had a difficult time believing that Jesus Christ would really die on the cross so that our sins would be forgiven. Charles had yet to accept a personal relationship with a loving God.
Since he was training for the Olympics, his diving coach had arranged for Charles to use the university pool facilities when there weren’t any scheduled events. One night he decided he needed a break from his studies and he headed for the pool to swim a few laps and practice the dive that had been giving him difficulties.
He entered the building and marveled at the full moon brightly shining through the glass ceiling. In the moonlight Charles Murray climbed to the top of the highest platform and prepared to take his first dive. He spread his arms and his eyes were immediately drawn to the wall where he saw his shadow caused by the light of the moon. He immediately recognized the shape of a cross.
All of a sudden, Charles understood God’s great love for him. He knew he wanted God in his life. He sat down on that platform twenty feet above the pool and prayed for the first time in his life.
Then the light came on. A security guard had come to check the pool area. As Charles looked down from the platform, he was shocked to see that the pool was empty. The attendant explained that the pool had been drained for repairs.
Charles knew that he had almost plummeted to his death. It was the cross that saved his life.
This is Holy Week and the Christian community gathers in prayer to remember that the cross is our sign of salvation. At the Good Friday service we participate in a once-a-year event. The cross is held up in our midst and we come forward one-by-one to reverently acknowledge not only the sorrow but the glory that offers redemption.
Yes, the cross has saved each one of us. The Passion and death was not the end but a new beginning. We know the whole story. We know about Easter Sunday and the empty tomb. We know that Jesus appeared to His disciples. We know that Jesus Christ promised to send the Holy Spirit.
We cannot think about Good Friday as though the Resurrection never happened. Thus, we cannot celebrate Easter without understanding the cost and suffering of the cross.
Please come and pray with us: Holy Thursday Prayer Service: “Remembering Jesus Christ,” Thursday, April 17, 2:00 p.m. at All Saints Church. Hosted by Grades 1 and 7.
Easter Liturgy for All Saints Catholic School, Wednesday, April 23rd, 8:45 a.m. at All Saints Church. Hosted by the 8th Grade.