Positivity, Hope and Patience is the sign of the Cross
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Our journey through the Season of the Glorious Cross is coming to an end with only one more week to go before we begin the new liturgical season and our preparations for the birth of our Lord.
This week we reflect on the faith of the five wise bridesmaids who showed not only wisdom in their actions but also a sense of positivity, hope and patience. We can compare these three attributes to the cross. The cross is not about suffering and pain; rather it is a sign of these three attributes in the following ways:
- Positivity: Our Lord who indeed is very positive invites us to come to what he has positively accomplished on the cross so that we can become one with His Father. For this reason, no matter how burdensome our life becomes, we need to stay positive because of what has been accomplished for us. We must have positive outlook in all things in a Christ-like manner.
- Hope: The cross is a sign of the victory of hope over hopelessness. Although we are faced with many challenges in life, we must never lose sight of the hope of the resurrection. It is through this very event that hope triumphed over hopelessness. We as Christians are called to do the same thing and help those who are tempted to lose hope so that they can see that hope truly triumphs.
- Patience: If we can describe Christ’s life and passion in one word then that word would be patience. The culmination of patience was his patience in suffering on the cross. There is so much in this word; humility, submissiveness, contentment and calmness. As a culture, we are very impatient; however we must allow Christ’s patience to be manifested in our lives so that we too can patiently endure the pains of this life and bow down to the will of God.
The wise bridesmaids didn’t have the symbol of the cross in their lives, however their faith in the bridegroom together with their positive outlook, hope and patience secured them a seat at his banquet. Unfortunately, the others missed out! We however, do have the symbol of the cross prominently in our lives. Let us do our best so that we do not miss out.
On a parish note, we have the Teens car wash today which I thank the Teen leaders for organizing. We are extremely proud of your contributions to our parish family for all that you do especially in providing formation to our teens. Also, today we have the married couples retreat. Here too, I would like to thank the Family Committee for its organization of this retreat and for all their contributions in accompanying our families in their spiritual and social journey.
On a final note, I ask you to keep in your prayers our Church Fathers who continue their work in Rome at the Synod on the Family. I hope to see you around the parish during the week.
