At the foot of the Cross

When I was younger, I often found myself at the foot of the cross. It was easier to come and talk to You and not a day went by without me doing so. But today, things are not the same and I find myself too absorbed with various preoccupations. I have begun to define my days by appointments, meetings, and various other occupancies, that have led me to forget my ultimate purpose in life. I have gotten too occupied with my job, exams, and friends that I’ve forgotten to raise my heart to you, even if it’s for a single minute. Prayer has becomes obsolete and the amount of time spent reading the scripture continues to diminish. I was once told that this world was not my home, nor my comfort, nor my shelter, but I keep forgetting.

The flame that used to burn in me with passion for Your word has dwindled as I roam hopelessly. I thought I could do it all on my own and I took credit for way more that I deserved. I considered myself infallible in all that I have done and have forgotten the countless number of times You’ve held my hands and helped me cross the troubled waters. I’ve forgotten the countless times that I’ve fallen, and You my Lord have picked me up. I’ve forgotten the nights spent in worries and tears, as You comforted me with faithful promises. In my false sense of strength, I was made weak.

At times it feels as if I’m missing a piece of me, and that piece is your role in my life. When I find myself in troubled waters, I panic. But you’ve promised me much, and I have given You little. You said “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4) So, I’ll sit at the foot of the cross asking you to grant me perseverance. Allow me to be steadfast in my faith, and during times of tribulations. Allow my character to reflect Your grace, Your image, Your likeness and Your love. Finally, give me the hope that no matter how many times I will fall, you will always lift me up.

And so, I come to you like I did when I was much younger, kneeling at the foot of the cross and asking for Your grace. You’ve said to me My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9) Truth is, I can’t do it all on my own and without your blessing. Humble me and allow me to be weak so that in You, I may find strength. 

From Glory to Slavery

Too often we credit ourselves with too much and forget the hands of those who helped us get back up. We attribute our success to hard work, sweat, struggles and even persistence. During these times we forget that the main reason we have succeeded was through Christ's blessings. In Saint Paul’s greeting to the Romans, he introduces himself as a servant, thus bridging the gap between him and his audience. He does not pompously and pretentiously describe himself as a chosen elect, but lowers his stature in order to draw near to his audience. At times we ignorantly credit ourselves with too much and discredit our Creator for His numerous blessings.

From its origin, the word servant or servus in Latin is translated as slave. Let’s take two steps back and discuss St.Paul’s origin. He was Roman citizen, born to Hebrews, a Pharisee who well versed in the Torah and Hebrew traditions… one beyond his years. He was a strong leader and had many followers who he himself zealously led to destroy the early Christian movement. As one can see, he was highly educated and a man with stature. However, in his opening letter he defines himself as a slave.

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle...(Romans 1:1) He does not credit himself, rather, he reminds himself and his audience that he is a slave… he chooses to equate himself to nothing. We too must bridge the gap in our service. In order to better understand those whom we serve, we must present ourselves as their equal and not their superior. For that same reason, Christ himself chose to take our nature and as a creator, became man to teach us the new laws and commandments. He took our flesh, felt the pains of loss (Lazarus), was despised and rejected by His creation, and tasted death on the cross… all for my sake.

Likewise, in our service we should constantly remind ourselves that we are mere slaves and not superiors. We shouldn't expect praise even when it is due and we shouldn't be conducting our services to appeal to others. We must remember that as a slave toils for his master, and we too must toil for Christ. We must strip the connotations of honor, and put on the robes of humility. So that “I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me” (Romans 1:12).