'The folly of the Cross'- part 1

WORLD YOUTH DAY SERIES

WORLD YOUTH DAY CROSS AND ICON.

'The folly of the Cross'- part 1

What does the Cross mean to me personally?  This is an important question for all Catholics to consider and essential as a potential pilgrim as you prepare spiritually for WYD.   

First however let us examine what the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us about the Cross.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church mentions the Cross consistently, but the following examples are highlighted as follows:

" 1. The cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ, the "one mediator between God and men". But because in his incarnate divine person he has in some way united himself to every man, "the possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the paschal mystery" is offered to all men. He calls his disciples to "take up [their] cross and follow [him]", for "Christ also suffered for [us], leaving [us] an example so that [we] should follow in his steps." In fact Jesus desires to associate with his redeeming sacrifice those who were to be its first beneficiaries. This is achieved supremely in the case of his mother, who was associated more intimately than any other person in the mystery of his redemptive suffering.  ...(Para 618)

2.The sign of the cross, on the threshold of the celebration, marks with the imprint of Christ the one who is going to belong to him and signifies the grace of the redemption Christ won for us by his cross. (Para 1235).

3 Liberation and salvation. By his glorious Cross Christ has won salvation for all men. He redeemed them from the sin that held them in bondage. "For freedom Christ has set us free." In him we have communion with the "truth that makes us free." The Holy Spirit has been given to us and, as the Apostle teaches, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." Already we glory in the "liberty of the children of God."  (para 1741)

4.The Paschal mystery of Christ's cross and Resurrection stands at the center of the Good News that the apostles, and the Church following them, are to proclaim to the world. God's saving plan was accomplished "once for all" by the redemptive death of his Son Jesus Christ... (para 571)

5.The way of perfection passes by way of the Cross. There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle. Spiritual progress entails the ascesis and mortification that gradually lead to living in the peace and joy of the Beatitudes: (para 2011)"

It is important to reflect on what the Cross means to you especially if you are going to WYD. As a pilgrim of WYD, you will have the opportunity to follow the journey of the Cross as part of your preparation for WYD and also during the week to venerate the cross. If you a pilgrim of the host country, you have the wonderful opportunity to follow the Cross journey in your own country. 

I still treasure that quiet time that I had during the early hours of the morning, when the cross was in a neighbouring parish. I remember the spiritual excitement when it is was time for it to move to its next venue and the breakfast that was provided by the host parish.  More about that in next week's post.

So, if you were asked 'what are your top 5 pointers to understanding the Cross', what would you say?

This is my WYD challenge this week, since why venerate the Cross at WYD if you are unclear of its meaning and its meaning to you personally.

Reflect on what the cross means to ME. 

A few notes in your WYD journal may assist you as part of your ongoing reflection. You may also wish to consider how the above mentioned quotes from the Catechism relate to you and to WYD.

PS Reminder: This is now the month of October, so you might like to explore Patron no 2 for WYD- St John of the Cross. 
You may wish to read my post on patrons of WYD in this series also.