Daily Meditation for April 18, 2025

For Christians, the cross is a very powerful symbol, though it might seem to be an over-used symbol these days. We see lovely crosses of gold and silver around people’s necks or hanging from their rear-view mirrors. We even see crosses tattooed on suntanned arms. For some, it is a symbol of their Christian identity. For others it is simply a piece of jewelry or a decoration. The Good Friday cross is not a decoration or a piece of lovely jewelry. On Good Friday, we experience both the horror of a crucifixion as well as the unconditional love and the immense forgiveness that the cross makes visible. Deep down, we believe that out of the drudgery, failures and suffering of our own lives something new and beautiful can arise. Nothing is beyond hope. We believe that there will always be Easter Sundays after the Good Fridays in our lives.

By Mary Weidner, OSB