The Cross of Love

Dear Friend,

Every year on Monday of Holy Week when I go down to the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral, the building itself has something to say to me. This year was no exception. Outside the Cathedral after Mass – this would be around 9 pm – I stood gazing at the alabaster window and its mighty glow of light framed and thrust out high over the plaza. At its center, the simple and mighty cross.

In the dramatic angle of the window’s frame, the cross appears to be “lifted up” – recalling the great theme in John’s Gospel. Also recalling John – unmistakable at this hour of night – the cross is pressed up against a surrounding darkness. Printed descriptions tell us that the translucent alabaster has been weathered and veined over millions of years, so I’m inclined to add that the power of beauty which I am witnessing is indeed from the beginning.

So what was all this saying to me? These words of Pope Francis came to mind: “Today the Lord is knocking from within the church to be let out.” We are called to go forth and “consecrate the world to God.” Unlike most stained glass in churches, this window is legible from the outside. The word of blessing and consecration is the cross of love set like a lifted hand right in the center of “the city of angels.”  

The Cathedral’s light through massive stone, echoes Luke’s Gospel as well. Jesus tells the Pharisees as they urge him to quiet his disciples: “I tell you, if they keep silent the stones will cry out!” You and I are disciples being called out from Eucharist to be instruments for beauty, healing, and light in a world of turbulent change. Jesus Christ at Easter is summoning us!

Gratefully,

Fr. Dan ofm