Reflections on the Cross

Reflections on the Cross (one older, and one from 9/22/12):

The Cross shows us a vertical beam and a horizontal beam. As I have reflected on it, God revealed to me the Divine-human connection and the horizontal beam shows a connection with each other. We cannot have a good connection with God without also crossing the connection with each other. And we cannot have a good connection with each other without also crossing the connection with God. So we can never say I have a good relationship with God, but I hate my brother/sister. And we can never say I have a good relationship with my brother/sister, but have none with God (don't believe in God).

Today (9/22/12) God shared with me: The image of the Cross shows the vertical beam is long and the horizontal one is shorter. That vertical beam provides the foundation/support for the horizontal beam to be properly sustained. If the vertical beam (our connection with God) is too small, then the horizontal beam (allowing our outreach to one another) cannot be sustained well; it needs the right balance.

Coming to God’s House? Not on my list of chores!

(from 2006)

   Do I look at coming to Mass as a burden?  Is it just one more thing on my already busy schedule?  At one time, going to Mass was almost like a chore – something I didn’t look forward to.

   I didn’t have a connection that was important to me.  Our Mass is a Eucharistic celebration, but unfortunately the latter word isn’t emphasized enough.  It is a celebration and it must be in, by, for and through the faith community.

   Our contributions, including the prayers, the singing, and coming to receive Holy Communion support and encourage each other in the journey of faith.  We are becoming the holy communion, the Body of Christ – We are the Church.

   We are becoming living temples where God is present.  When we leave the Eucharistic celebration we are carrying the Presence of God to all that we meet, to affect them also.

   Through the Mass, the faith community coming together is changed by the Eucharist.  We then go out to share the message of Jesus – “You are loved.  Love one another.”

   That’s the kind of connection I look forward to getting when I visit God’s house.  And coming into holy communion with you all is a wonderful benefit and blessing too.

Added (2012) – In the last couple of years God has given me a different perspective of “God’s house” to consider.  It is our home too, so we don’t visit, but rather we should feel comfortable in our “sanctuary”.  If we come to “visit God” we will always be uncomfortable on some level.  When we seek a better understanding, deepen our relationship, develop community-mindedness and build family connections, then our comfort-zone is increased.  And our faith is more alive, our love has better outreach and our hope is strengthened.