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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider He must... take up His cross

He must... take up His cross

Published Feb 19, 2026 12:02 am  |  Updated Feb 18, 2026 04:22 pm
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The cross (Greek stauros) is an ancient instrument of execution, probably originated by the Persians and often employed by the Greeks and the Romans for its deterrent value, especially against rebellious slaves and seditious provincials. The condemned, with a placard proclaiming the crime hung around his neck, would carry the crossbar (not the whole cross) to the place of his execution.
Death came slowly from the cumulative impact of thirst, hunger, exhaustion, and the traumatic effects of scourging which preceded crucifixion. Because of the protracted suffering and the extreme ignominy of this punishment, crucifixion was viewed as the supreme penalty, the “most wretched of death.”
Paul writes that belief in Jesus as the Messiah and Lord was foolish and scandalous to both Jews and pagans (1 Cor 1:18-25). The scandal of the cross could only be removed if the meaning attached to the cross were completely overturned. This happened with Jesus’ resurrection. And Jesus appeared to Paul as the Risen One on the road to Damascus.
In the light of the resurrection, the death of Jesus on the cross took a salvific meaning for Paul. The Apostle sees it as atonement, a sacrifice, Jesus’ kenosis or self emptying, proof of God’s love for us. Jesus’ resurrection is his vindication, and he makes the cross a symbol of redeeming pain.
The victory that the cross now symbolizes does not remove the pain and the trials, but when the disciple carries his cross “after Jesus,” then this too becomes his passport to glory.
Gospel • Luke 9:22-25
Jesus said to his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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