Last week I shared nine papal tweets on the Blessed Virgin Mary. This week, we're taking it up a notch and focusing in on the very instrument of our salvation: the cross of Christ.
But the cross is not only something that Christ bore, it's what we are called to bear with him if we are to be his disciples: "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9.23)
Why focus so much on a means of death? Indeed, "the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1.18) The cross is central because it represents Christ's central act of self-emptying love – a love we are called to follow. And nothing demonstrates love more than working for the good of others even when it means great suffering for ourselves.
Here's what the Holy Father has been teaching about this most central part of our faith:
The crucifix does not signify defeat or failure. It reveals to us the Love that overcomes evil and sin.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) October 22, 2013
We cannot give up in the face of evil. God is Love and he has defeated evil through Christ’s death and resurrection.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) October 18, 2013
When we encounter the Cross, we turn to Mary: Give us the strength, Mary our Mother, to accept and embrace the Cross!
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) October 11, 2013
The mystery of the Cross, a mystery of love, can only be understood in prayer. Pray and weep, kneeling before the Cross.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) October 10, 2013
Every marriage has difficult moments. But these experiences of the Cross can make the path of love even stronger.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) September 28, 2013
There is no cross, big or small, in our life which the Lord does not share with us. #Rio2013#JMJ
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) July 26, 2013
Christ’s love and friendship are no illusion. On the Cross Jesus showed how real they are.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) July 4, 2013
The Church is born from the supreme act of love on the Cross, from Jesus’ open side. The Church is a family where we love and are loved.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) May 29, 2013
And today we celebrate...