Under Roman rule, the cross became infamously known
as a symbol of judgement and pain. The Roman practice of making a criminal
carry his cross to the place of his crucifixion served not only as physical
punishment, but as a sign to both criminal and bystanders that the prisoner - once
in opposition to the Roman law - was now in full submission to its will.
That beautiful cross, under which the beauty of
Heaven himself bowed in submission to his father’s will, now serves as a vivid reminder to those who
wish to follow him. Jesus beckoned his followers with these words “But whoever
would come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Always
the perfect shepherd of our souls, he did not call his sheep to that which was
unfamiliar to him.
I am reminded in my daily life that to take up my
cross is to take up that which symbolizes that I am in submission to the
Father’s Will. When Jesus bore the weight cross I can only imagine it caused those
around him to say “Why?” His answer, “for life, and life more abundantly.” For
without the pain of submission, new life would never be found. I too might
expect the same incredulity of those who see me take up my cross, but I will
hold it high as my testimony to the world. What I once rebelled against – I now
submit to. Who I once scorned – I now embrace. What I once thought was life - I
let go. And here, in the shelter of the cross I have taken up, I have found
greater life.
