2025-09-07 - Christianity without the cross, an incomplete tower Author: Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe
7th of September 2025
23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C
Wis 9:13-18
Phlm 9-10,12-17
Lk 14:25-33_
The liturgy of today presents us with the reality of accepting the hard way of the cross as the true cost of discipleship.
In the *Gospel*, Jesus chides us not to crave for rose if we are not ready to handle the thorns. He says that whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. He goes us to use the image of the man who started a building (tower) but could not finish it because he did not plan the cost very well.
The message of the cross beloved is prone to rejection. This is because, we live in a society where youngsters want to become heroes overnight. We have small girls with big God. Parents want to enjoy fruit of labour without contributing in sowing or working for it. We desire Easter Sunday without Good Friday.
The lessons of the cross says;
No pain no gain, no thorn no crown, no difficulties no heroism.
The traditional Jewish significance of the cross is barbarity and cruelty. It is a symbol of shame, weakness and disgrace. It was a traditional way of punishing miscreants and offenders. Little wonder Jesus was actually crucified alongside two criminals. This is the brand of life Jesus advises us to be ambassadors of.
Beloved, Christianity without the cross is incomplete. So many Christians today do not want to associate with anything suffering or sacrifice. People lack fidelity and steadfastness especially when things are not going the way we expect. We are reminded that _a crossless Christian is a Christless Christian._
Also, there are so many Christians who are modern incomplete towers. All they seek for is miracle, signs and wonders. Such people find it difficult to endure trials even for the sake of Christ.
We must know that the cross we embrace today may be seed of salvation for others and the cross you carry today may be your crown tomorrow. The greatest cross of St. Monica was her family. She suffered at the hands of the son Augustine and the husband Patricius. She offered it up to God. If Monica had abandoned her cross, the Church possibly would have lost a great personality like St. Augustine.
Carlo Acutis who is to be canonised today embraced his cross and offered it up to the Lord. May we not abandon the cross that come out way.
*God bless us and happy Sunday.*
0 Comments
Leave a Comment
Fill the form below to leave a comment