February 1, 2026
Look at our pictures today. We have 2 crosses. One cross is empty; the other shows Jesus hanging on the cross. These are just 2 examples of the many pictures we see of the cross.
The cross is an important symbol because it’s a visible, physical reminder of the place Jesus died for the sins of the world. In this morning’s Second Reading, the word “cross” is used as a one-word summary of that truth. In one word, it tells us how God chose to rescue the world.
Paul says, though, that the preaching of the cross, Jesus’ death, seems like foolishness. After all, you can’t help anybody once you’re dead, right? But that is exactly how God chose to save the world: He sent His only Son from heaven to live as a human who got hungry, tired, and even sad. And then Jesus was badly hurt, and finally, He was crucified, and He died.
Lots of people would say that Jesus’ letting Himself be killed was foolish. As God’s people, though, we see it as the way God’s love was perfectly shown to us: Jesus took our place on the cross, dying the death we deserve. His death paid for our sins.
You know, when you were baptised, the sign of the cross was made over your head and heart as a reminder that the crucified Christ is your Saviour. Your baptism connects you to the cross of Jesus; the cross of Jesus reminds you of your baptism; both the cross and your baptism remind you that you are a forgiven and loved child of God.
Heavenly Father, when we see the cross, we remember that Jesus died for us. When we see the cross, we are reminded that we are connected with Him. When we see the cross, it reminds us that He is our Saviour and we are His people. Amen.