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Our sin is what keeps us from being fit citizens of Heaven. But the Cross overcomes that, says St. John Chrysostom. Because of the Cross, we are now part of the same community with the angels.
The Cross destroyed the hostility of God toward humanity. It brought about the reconciliation; it made earth Heaven, associated human beings with angels, pulled down the fortress of death, destroyed the power of sin, saved the world from error, brought back the truth, destroyed temples, overturned altars, suppressed the sacrifices, established virtue, founded the churches.
The Cross is the will of the Father, the glory of the Son, the rejoicing of the Spirit, and the boast of Paul—for, as he says, “far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal. 6:14). The Cross is brighter than the sun, more brilliant than the sunbeam. Even when the sun is darkened, the Cross shines brightly—and the sun is darkened not because it has gone out, but because it is overpowered by the brilliance of the Cross.
The Cross has broken our chains. It has made the prison of death useless. It is the demonstration of the love of God.
–St. John Chrysostom, Homily on “Father, If It Be Possible…”
IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
Am I living with the angels, a citizen of the new kingdom? Or am I still tied to the old world of sin and death?
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, render me worthy of the splendid glory of your kingdom, and of gladness with your holy angels, and of confidence before you, that I may stand at your right hand.
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