How does a symbol of failure turn into a sign of victory? Paul, in the letter to the Philippians, explains that Jesus, though divine, humbled himself to become man and embraced this symbol. Jesus, being raised and receiving the ‘Highest Name’, changes the cross from a symbol of death into a doorway to eternal life.

God often uses the very means of our downfall to become the means of our redemption - He uses the image of a serpent on a standard as a remedy for those who were bitten by the serpents. All that is needed is the gaze of faith. The Gospel shows Jesus introducing Nicodemus to the image of the Cross as God’s act of love - an act that focuses on salvation and not condemnation.

At Calvary, when the Son of Man is lifted up, He exemplifies this very teaching - by forgiving, promising Paradise and indeed giving his Mother as well as the last drops of blood and water for the salvation of the world.