Sitting beneath the cross

I want to spend more time with the Cross of Christ. Jesus doesn’t hang there to push in our faces just how bad we are, and He doesn’t want us thinking this as we contemplate the crucifixion. When I began pondering the crucifix at five years of age, I had no understanding of this sacrifice for the sins of humanity. I took this image and stewed about it. Why this man? Why was he naked? Why had people done this to Him? And, why was this event so important that images of it were virtually everywhere?

When God sees an opening, He takes it. When we struggle with an idea, an image, a word, an event, God enters in and speaks to it, too. He informs our thoughts, gives us an insight. God, in effect, places truth on the back of whatever it is we’re pondering and sees if our minds will let it stick. The more I pondered that crucifix (by having to dust it every week), the more God snuck in and left deposits of truth.

By the time I was ten years old, I was imagining myself sitting beneath that cross as Jesus hung there. I brought with me my own anguish, my own sorrow, my own grief. No one saw me. I imagined no one seeing me sitting there, but Jesus knew and, somehow, He took some of the weight off of me as I tried to be there with Him. LOVE for love.

Reflection

On the back of what thoughts, what images, what events from your childhood did God attach himself? How did you respond then? How do you respond now?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thought and agonized over many things as I grew up. What thoughts, words, events did You speak to me through? It is hard for me to think myself worthy of this, but Your love tells me You would take every opportunity to come and help me carry my pain. Help me to see, Lord.