The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are lost, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1,18).

The Cross of Jesus often stands in the middle of discussions and opinions: some say it is no more than a sign of execution, others say it is just an ornament or even a fashion accessory. What does the Cross of Jesus mean to us as a family? For Christians, the Cross is the sign of our salvation. God became man in Jesus Christ. He suffered wickedness, injustice and pain, because each and every one of us is important to him. The wounds, which he received through hate and rejection, have become for us the source of our hope and our strength.

His love for us is stronger than the pain we inflict on ourselves and on each other.

We share the love of Christ in our home and in our family. We give and we receive, we share and we build, we listen and we forgive, we put the needs of others first and we feel secure in the bonds of love we have for each other. All this, and more, is the sign of God’s presence in our homes. In our human love, the power of his divine love becomes visible. God is in our homes as love.

Remember his promise: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28,20). Jesus on the Cross gives us courage and helps us trust, even when we too have to carry a heavy cross ourselves. Mary, our Blessed Mother, stood at the foot of the Cross and watched her Son die to save us. She stands with us, as she stood with her only Son. She walks with us, as she walked with Jesus on the roads of Nazareth, and Cana and Jerusalem.

The Cross in our homes is a sign of redemption. When we look at the Cross, we can change our wounds and hurts into love.

What you can do as a family

Decide together on a crucifix for your home and place it in a place where everyone can see it. Perhaps every member of the family could hold the crucifix in his or her hand for a short moment and say their own personal prayer of welcome to our Lord. We ask God to look after our family and give us a great trust in his saving presence. Every time we glance at the crucifix, we can remind ourselves that Jesus is here and He is our hope!