The Cross of Christ in Biblical Texts

A Reflection for Holy Cross Day, Sunday, September 14th, 2025: 

                 The Cross is a unique Christian image. Most people who have even the most minimal understanding of Christ generally understanding the imagery of the Cross as the method used to cause Jesus’ death. The power of the Cross and its foreshadowing in the Old Testament are discussed in today’s Mass readings.

                 In Numbers 21:4b-9, we encounter the Israelites in the wilderness, facing the consequences of their disobedience and lack of faith. The narrative describes how they were bitten by venomous snakes, leading to suffering and death. God, in His mercy, instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it on a pole, promising that anyone who looked upon it would be healed. This image of the lifted serpent foreshadows the ultimate act of salvation through the Cross of Christ. The bronze serpent symbolizes sin and the consequences of sin, while the act of looking upon it represents faith and trust in God’s provision for healing. This passage underscores the transformative power of looking to God for salvation, a theme that is central to the understanding of the Cross as the means through which humanity is reconciled to God.

    In Philippians 2:6-11, St. Paul writes in a passage that sounds so lyrical that some scholars believe he may be quoting a hymn or poem of some kind that was already known to early Christians, though this is by no means certain. This passage encapsulates the mystery of the Incarnation and the salvific purpose of Christ’s suffering and death. Jesus, who existed in the form of God, humbled Himself by taking on human nature and becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. This profound humility and obedience highlight the paradox of the Cross: what appears to be a symbol of shame and defeat is, in fact, the means of exaltation and glory. Paul emphasizes that because of this obedience, God has highly exalted Jesus and bestowed upon Him the name above all names. The Cross, therefore, is central not only as a means of redemption but also as a revelation of God’s nature—His willingness to enter into human suffering and to transform it into a source of life and hope.

    In John 3:13-17, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about His mission and the necessity of His being “lifted up.” The reference to His being lifted up directly connects to the Cross, where He would draw all people to Himself (John 12:32). The passage encapsulates the essence of the Gospel: God’s love for the world is so profound that He sent His only Son for its salvation. The Cross becomes the ultimate expression of divine love, where judgment and mercy intersect. Jesus’ statement that “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” reveals the transformative power of faith in the crucified Christ. The Cross, therefore, is not merely a historical event, but a living reality that invites all to encounter the love and grace of God. 

    The centrality of the Holy Cross in these readings invites us to contemplate its multifaceted significance. It is a symbol of healing, a revelation of God’s humility and love, and the means of salvation for all humanity. The Cross challenges us to embrace the paradox of suffering and redemption, inviting us to look beyond our circumstances to the hope and life offered through Christ. As we reflect on these passages, we are reminded that the Cross is not an end but a beginning—a doorway to eternal life and a call to live in the light of God’s transformative love.

 

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