Sunday Before the Exaltation of the Cross
Scripture: Galatians 6:11-18
Sometimes, our friends may request us to engage in actions that are immoral or unkind, and when this situation arises, we often find ourselves torn between conflicting emotions.
Reflecting on my youth, I recall an instance where a group of friends were making fun of others. At that moment, I faced a dilemma: remaining silent would have left me feeling like a coward for not standing up for my beliefs, while speaking out might have seemed like a betrayal of my loyalty to my friends. It appeared as though I had no ideal course of action.
The desire to belong and be liked by our friends is a universal one. But no matter what I did, it seems I would have compromised one of my values. In such situations, we often end up feeling disappointed in ourselves.
Today, a situation similar to what I experienced presented itself to St. Paul. His friends were ridiculing Christ, and Paul could have joined them to fit in with the “in-crowd.” Yet, what St. Paul discovered was that by aligning himself with Christ, even if it meant becoming part of the marginalized group, he felt a sense of belonging within Christ’s family—a part of a new creation.
This newfound understanding was liberating for St. Paul because he no longer had to concern himself with the opinions of the Judeans. He didn’t have to worry about his sense of belonging; he knew he belonged.
Similarly, as we identify with the humiliated, shamed, and crucified Christ, we, too, find liberation from the fear of not fitting in. We become part of the family of Christ, experiencing a profound transformation.
With this newfound fearlessness, we gain the courage to stand firmly by our values and advocate for justice, particularly for those who may lack a voice. When our loyalty is directed towards Christ, it empowers us to extend love and support to our neighbors.