Today, we mark the anniversary of the death of Jesus. The cross is not a pretty piece of jewelry or art. It is a torturous instrument of capital punishment employed by the Roman Empire to terrify people into submission.
When Jesus is killed on a cross, it is a threat not just to Jesus’ life, but to all those who follow him or support him. It is a method used to shut down the movement he inspired.
While we are on the other side of the resurrection and know that the cross was unable to keep the Lord of love and life down, the cross serves as a reminder that humanity continues to crucify and be crucified again and again. Powers of evil still try to coerce and stamp out love, peace, hope and life.
Today, we kneel before the cross not only in remembrance of our crucified Saviour, but also in solidarity with those who, like him, continue to suffer to this day.