This Cross

“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46 NIV

This is not just another pretty piece of jewelery,
is it? Jesus, I know behind its symbolism
there was pain, suffering
and a cry about that severance
from love on that gloomy night,
the kind that means the most to anyone
– a Father forsaking His Son.

I remember when my mother died, it was
as if my heart was crushed
and torn to shreds.
So, I can imagine
how you suffered to be cast
aside by the Holy Father.
Did it hurt Him also?
Maybe the hardest act a father
can do is to cast aside a son or daughter,
even if it is out of love.

I see so many wear the cross
and wonder if they
understand what it really means?
Do they value
that it represents God becoming man
to die for those He
didn’t know
and forgive them what they deny?
Maybe next time I’ll ask someone
if they do recognize
it or if they know You.
If they are willing to listen,
I’ll tell them about Jesus and His love.

When I put this cross on,
I want to be the best representative
of Your love and forgiveness that I can.
I don’t always succeed
and that’s what Your absolution teaches me.
I wear this cross
for Your love.