The Cross of Salvation
“The cross is folly to others, a stumbling block, a defeat, an absurdity, but for Christians, nothing can save apart from the cross.”
Members of the Order of Malta Philippines reflected on the paradox of Christ’s cross for the month of April. The Spiritual Formation was facilitated by Fr. Genaro Diwa, Conventual Chaplain ad honorem of the Order.
Though the cross is immediately associated with the passion of Christ, Fr. Diwa clarified that it was not the amount of Jesus’ suffering on the cross that saved us. Instead, the salvific power of the cross is rooted in how it revealed the real mission of Christ.
“It is not the weight of the cross that saved us, it is the weight of Christ’s love and obedience to the Father that has brought salvation,” shared Fr. Diwa.
Fr. Diwa then explained how this theological truth applies to our lives as followers of Christ by stating that to be a Christian means we should be ready and willing to accept suffering with love.
“You cannot understand redemption if you take away the cross. Only crosses that are carried with love save us,” said Fr. Diwa.
Though he centered on the cross and suffering, Fr. Diwa ended his reflection by reassuring all that God will not forsake us in our acts of sacrifice.
“Through the cross, God has shown that He will suffer for us and He will accompany us in our suffering,” shared Fr. Diwa.
The spiritual formation for April was hosted by Amb. Mercedes A. Tuason at their residence in Kasiyahan Townhouse, Makati City. Next month’s spiritual formation will be held at San Lorenzo Village, Makati City to be hosted by Dame Maria Lourdes Bernadette Z. Banson
The spiritual formation sessions of the members of the Order of Malta Philippines dates back to 1948 during the establishment of the Order in the country. A more intensive and regular spiritual formation started in 2007 upon the advice of Magistral Chaplains Msgr. Esteban Lo and Fr. Genaro Diwa. Through the activity, the Knights and Dames are expected to appreciate their membership in the Order as a means of sanctification and spiritual revitalization.
