Instead of a star over Bethlehem, imagine a Cross. Imagine what Mary must have been thinking as she held her newborn son. Certainly not the Cross. When she said ‘Yes’ to God she did not know the end for Mary, in her faith, was filled with Hope in God’s steadfast loving-kindness. A Peace that comes from trusting in God. A quiet Joy at this new life in her arms. And an amazed Love ‘for (the) God (who) so loved the world that God gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Jn 3:16
For those in the Holy Land, the star is dimmed during this time of war. People are suffering. When will it end? The Cross is a sign of Hope for all peoples that casts light over the shadow of death. As a symbol of Peace, the Cross, with its arms outstretched to embrace the world, is the Wisdom of God that governs all with merciful care and sets us free. It is the Joy of every human heart. It is the Key that opens our hearts to Love of God and neighbor. The Cross is the throne of our Redeemer.
The Cross is God’s Christmas Tree. Ultimately, it is the Radiant Dawn of Christ’s Resurrection and the beginning of new life for us all.
Blessed Celeste Crostarosa shared on the Mystery of the Cross with Jesus’ own words to her, “Oh with what love I embraced the cross, loved it, desired it and took pleasure in it -- all for your love.” The same can be said when Jesus embraced humanity and was born into this world.
We do not know how this war in the Holy Land, or the other wars around the world, will end. But we do know Jesus is Alive and with us Here and Now. Therefore, let us live as people of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
"Life for me is Christ." Phil1:21
Redemptoristine Nuns are a worldwide monastic contemplative Order who strive to be a living memorial, an active participant of Jesus' life in today’s Church for the salvation of the world. The Sisters celebrate this life of prayer, praise and intercession in the name of all, and in support of the missionary activity of the Redemptorist priests and brothers.