Lifting Our Cross
Religious symbols carry deep meaning. Around the world, we see them on jewelry, clothing, cars, even tattoos.
And for Christians, no symbol is greater than the cross. Yet we ask: what does it truly mean?
At the time of Jesus, the cross was an instrument of shame and torture. It was meant to silence, to humiliate, and to kill. But in Jesus’ hands, this symbol was transformed. What once represented death has become for us the greatest sign of life, salvation, and hope. The cross tells us that nothing—not suffering, not fear, not even death can separate us from the love of God.
What is Truth
In John's Gospel (John 3:13-17), we meet Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a man of faith who is searching for truth. He comes to Jesus at night, cautious but curious. And Jesus tells him something shocking: to see the kingdom of God, you must be born again. This “rebirth” is not about starting life over, but about letting God reshape our hearts, our minds, and our way of seeing the world. To explain, Jesus recalls a story from the Old Testament (Numbers 21:4b-9): the bronze serpent lifted up by Moses in the desert. The serpent, once a symbol of poison and death, became a source of healing when raised up.
In the same way, the cross—an image of execution—was raised up in Christ to become the source of eternal life. This is the heart of our faith:
God takes what is broken and transforms it into grace.
Measuring Faith
At the time of Jesus, religion had become too focused on rules and exclusions. Faith was measured by how strictly one kept the law, and those who fell short were judged and cast aside. But Jesus revealed something new: God is not interested in rules for their own sake, but in people— in their dignity, their struggles, their hearts. He shows us a God who is merciful, compassionate, and ready to forgive. This challenge is still with us today. We live in a world marked by fear, division, and endless “-isms”—fanaticism, nationalism, consumerism. Wars break out, hatred rises, the climate suffers, and people are driven apart.
Yet St. Paul reminds us in our second reading (Philippians 2:6-11): though Jesus was “in the form of God,” he emptied himself. He let go of power and privilege to walk with us, to serve us, and to save us.
He showed us that true greatness is found in humility, service, and love.
The Cross Today
So what does the cross mean for us today? It is not just jewelry or decoration. It is the living sign of God’s love. To carry the cross is to let go of our pride, our fears, and our selfishness. It means living as people of forgiveness, mercy, and hope. When we embrace the cross, we allow Christ’s love to dwell within us—and through us, that love can reach the world. And today, dear friends, as we reflect on the meaning of the cross, we also give thanks for someone in our parish who has carried that cross in her own way—with love, with patience, and with dedication.
Farewell
For more than twenty years, Karen Curjel together with Fr. Urs Steiner founded and served this community of Good Shepherd. With passion and faith, Karen guided our altar servers, prepared our children for their First Holy Communion, and supported so many parish families in their journey of faith. Her service has been more than a job—it has been a true ministry, a witness to Christ’s love in our midst.
Dear Karen, on behalf of the entire parish, I want to say: thank you. Thank you for your devotion, your passion, and your faithfulness. Thank you for the countless hours of work—often unseen, but always fruitful. Thank you for being a living witness of Christ’s love to our children, our families, and all of us here. We pray that God bless you in this new stage of life, that your “wellness room” may be a place not only of peace for you, but also a reminder of the peace Christ gives. And may the cross of Christ, which you have carried so faithfully in service, continue to bring you strength, joy, and life.