Today is the day we remember the Triumph of the Cross; not so much the pain and suffering Christ endured on the Cross for our salvation but the fact that His death lead to His Resurrection and, at the end of our life, our own.
Today is the day we claim the verse, “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13 By the triumph of the cross I can face my own sins, my own failings and find the strength to do better.
Too often I can find myself running to the cross with tears in my eyes laying down my burdens, overwhelmed by just how hard it always is. I ask Christ to help me endure my struggles as I picture Him there as on Good Friday and I feel broken myself.
I can easily forget that I can run to this same cross on Easter Sunday know it did not kill Him as expected. Satan did NOT win and the tomb is empty. The joy that bubbles up from this reality, this truth is the best boost to my spirit; a caffeine-kick, a jump-start to my soul. It is just want I need to keep going.
This triumphant cross might have inspired Paul to also write this in Phillipians: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice. Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
So, find a reason to rejoice today. Celebrate this feast with a smile on your face remembering that Christ has triumphed as the result of a tool of torture. His act is the source of all the grace, mercy and joy we need to face our own crosses. He won and so did we!
