In this weekend’s passage of the Holy Gospel, we hear an often quoted Gospel verse. No doubt you have had the experience of watching a sports event on TV and when the camera spans the crowd, you have seen someone hold up a sign that says “John 3:16.” Did you ever take the time to look up that verse? Here it is, “For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have eternal life.” That one sentence is packed with a load of GOOD NEWS for us!!! By His cross and resurrection, Jesus assures us that, if we follow Him, we will have eternal life in Him. Amazing…eternal life! Just as a dove symbolizes peace and the heart symbolizes love, the cross is also a meaningful symbol. The cross is the symbol of the love and sacrificial offering of Jesus for us. It represents Christ leading us and accompanying us on our life’s journey…a journey that has its share of pain and suffering. Knowing that Christ suffered and died for us should encourage us, strengthen us and support us. In addition, the cross is the symbol of the risen Christ who promises us a crown of glory as a reward for our patient bearing of our daily crosses. Christians "exalt" the Cross of Christ as the instrument of our salvation. We have a tendency as human beings to balk and complain about our crosses…I guess hoping that every day of our lives should be trouble free! As Christians, we need to remember that Christ Himself carried a heavy cross FOR US and make an attempt to convert our own pains and suffering into the cross of Christ by accepting the sacrifice and interruptions involved in helping others. This is the Christian Way! If we claim to be a follower of Jesus, then we take the easy with the hard, the joys and the sorrows that come with life. Is it easy? No way! But Jesus never told us that following Him would be a “walk in the park.” He said, “If you want to be a follower of mine, take up your cross and follow Me.” That’s quite a tall invitation! Ann was at a garage sale with her friend Betty. Ann had just sorted through a tray of trinkets. Betty came up and asked, “Any luck?” “No!” said Ann. “It’s just a pile of junk.” She stepped aside to let Betty see for herself. Betty took one look at the pile, picked up a tarnished old cross and said, “I can’t believe it. I’ve found a treasure! This cross is made of antique silver.” When Ann’s friend got home, she cleaned the cross and polished it. It was indeed a treasure. Ann ended the story saying, “Betty and I both looked at the same cross. I only saw junk; Betty saw a treasure.” Later Betty’s seven-year-old son, Bobby picked up the cross, held it reverently in his hands, and looked at it for a long time. Suddenly he began to cry. “What’s wrong?” asked Betty. Bobby said, “I can’t help it. I was looking at Jesus on the cross.” Three people looked at the same cross. One saw junk, another saw a treasure; a third saw Jesus. Today’s feast reminds us to see Jesus and appreciate the price he paid for our salvation each time we look at a cross or crucifix. GOSPEL HOMEWORK FOR THE WEEK: When you look at a cross this week, pause….and remember that Jesus died FOR YOU!