THE CROSS AND TODAY’S VIOLENCE
The Cross remains central to the Christian faith. Christianity is primarily symbolized by the Cross. Traditional churches are adorned with crosses, and the faithful wear them with faith, pride, and reverence. The Cross, the supreme symbol of faith, remains a paradox. It is a paradox in which supreme violence—the Crucifixion of Jesus—is celebrated as the moment of salvation. It stands as the ultimate symbol of love and victory through non-violent struggle. Yes, love is stronger than nails.
The story of Jesus’ suffering on Good Friday teaches that he willingly accepted the Cross—the symbol of pain, suffering, and shame—yet resisted the justification of violence and force. By accepting the Cross, he broke the cycle of violence, revenge, and hatred, transforming it into forgiveness, love, and peace.
In recent weeks, months, and years, the world has witnessed violence reminiscent of the world wars of decades ago. Hatred and revenge have escalated beyond measure. The destruction, waste of colossal resources, and loss of lives cannot, by any means, justify any ideology. Unfortunately, many of those involved in these conflicts belong to the Abrahamic faiths—religions that trace their foundation to Abraham, the Father of Faith. The three major religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—are, in some cases, being invoked to justify these violent wars.
It is ironic that these conflicts have intensified during periods when these religions call for prayer, penance, forgiveness, charity, and reflection on foundational principles—Ramadan for Muslims, Lent for Christians, and Passover for Jews.
During Holy Week, Christians contemplate Jesus as the innocent sufferer who accepted violence to reconcile humanity to God, transforming the brutal forces of evil into a sacrifice of love. The Cross serves as a reminder that non-violence is the path to overcoming injustice, however aggressive and pervasive it may be.
In the midst of today’s wars, can we recognize the suffering Christ—the “victim Jesus,” with a bloodied face and tortured body—in the faces of innocent people who have suffered and lost their lives? Day after day, the death toll rises. The ever-present media displays painful images of children and vulnerable people bearing the same marks of suffering.
Believers in the God of Abraham, especially those who consider themselves deeply committed to their faith—particularly Christians—are called to take responsibility by undertaking a serious examination of conscience. A true love for God must overcome fanaticism and hatred toward fellow human beings, regardless of their beliefs. Religious texts are rich with teachings on tolerance, forbearance, and forgiveness.
Recently, Pope Leo asked, “Do those Christians who bear serious responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage to examine their conscience and confess their sins to God?” He added, “God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war… Only a reconciled person is capable of living in an unarmed and disarming way.”
Meditating on the Cross calls us to humility, which leads to forgiveness, tolerance, and ultimately love. Christians who lay down the arms of pride and allow themselves to be renewed by God’s forgiveness become agents of reconciliation in their daily lives.
When Jesus died on the Cross, the only thing he possessed was the Cross itself. The Cross calls us to let go of greed, avarice, and selfishness. This means overcoming materialism, consumerism, and the desire to control the wealth and resources of the world—often the hidden motives behind modern wars. It is both a crime and a mockery to claim the restoration of democracy and the rule of law while waging war driven by domination and control of resources.
The Cross also teaches that violence is not the solution to the problems of individuals or the world. Rather, it is sacrifice, inclusiveness, and a sense of the other that offer true solutions. The words of Jesus on the Cross reflect this: “Today you will be with me in paradise”—a message of inclusion; “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”—a call to forgiveness; and “I thirst”—a longing for peace, justice, and unity. This is the wisdom of the Cross.
Ultimately, the Cross of Jesus reminds us that love is stronger than suffering, forgiveness is more enduring than revenge, and hope can emerge from even the darkest moments of destruction and despair. The Crucifixion is not just a distant religious event of the past; it is a living lesson on how to live—with humility, compassion, and a commitment to others, even at personal cost.
Let the Cross break down the walls of hostility between nations, between humanity and misguided ideologies, and among people. Let the Cross be an instrument of peace and reconciliation.
…..
Rev. Fr. Lazar Arasu SDB is a Catholic Priest and School Administrator
