On my mind today . . .

Hello There Friends and Family,

Did you know that for many around the world today is the day of Exaltation of the Holy Cross?

Doug received a generous gift from friend for a 2 year subscription to the "Magnificat." It's a small booklet that comes monthly with the church's readings.  I LOVE his gift!  :)  Really, I don't think she knew it but really this gift was for me.  Lol. Sounds awful but Doug whole-heartely agrees. He says it was meant for me. I have wanted something like this for a long time. So it came in perfect timing. God's providential timing.

Anyhow, I love this little booklet because it isn't online. I really don't like doing my morning prayer/reading with the aid of online sites. No good for me. This little booklet is perfect. It keeps me on track with what is going on in the church calendar.

Today is the Exaltation of the Cross. I love these reminders on the church calendar. I love the fact that there is a day set specifically apart for lifting up the cross.  Everything centers on the cross, does it not?

The kids talked this over at the breakfast table this morning. I pointed to the crucifix on our wall. I pointed out what it is. It's a symbol of torture, persecution, and death that was widely used in ancient Rome. I mean, isn't it weird that as Christians we would hang something like that on our wall? They considered that for a moment but as children growing up in a Christian home they didn't need to wonder long. They easily responded to me with their own answers. Basically, "No, mom. That's Jesus dying for us on the cross. That's love."  

This morning my readings opened with this introduction:

"The cross, instrument of torture and death, raised aloft as a sign of glory, continues to confound the wisdom of this world: God's work of salvation stands human expectations on their head: humility is exaltation, wounds are healing, death is life."  

I can understand why to many people out there Christianity makes no sense. It really takes the wisdom of this world and stands it on its head. It certainly is confounding. No wonder it is so difficult to find any desire/inclination to look into Christianity.  I suppose it does sounds weird/irrational.

But I think it all starts to makes sense when we look at the nature of love. The best love is that love which is most sacrificial, right? One that pushes aside the natural inclinations towards self-gratification and looks to the good of another. As parents we lose sleep, peace of mind, bodily comfort for the sake of our children. We sacrifice ourselves and our time for the good of our children. That is just a glimpse into the love of Christ. Our love is just faded copy of the real, authentic brand of God. If our love is somewhat sacrificial, how much more radically sacrificial is His love for us. Such that He would give His very life.

So as Christians we give honor to the cross of Christ and all it means. Today is a day that some Christians set apart for purpose. I think a day is a good start.

Meditation on the cross is a great way to give honor to Jesus Christ. To think carefully and give thanks where it is due.  My little booklet has an arrangement of prayers, hymns, and readings to facilitate meditation.

If you are interested in spending some time on this yourself, here is one hymn, a Scripture passages, and a few other Scripture references to read and reflect on.

Hymn:
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore his sacred Name.

Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine.

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
As thou hast promised, draw the world to thee.

So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory.

I Corinthians 1:20-25
Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish? For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith. For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

"Christ humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross."  (Phil. 2:8)

Numbers 21:4b-9
Philippians 2:6-11
John 3:13-17



Well shucks, I was going to share some others things we are up to in our family but I'm out of time (and space). This is too long as it is.  Be back later. . . .   I hope this resonates with someone out there. It's on my heart anyhow. Trying to stay there today.

Love you!!