Scripture
For in him [Jesus] God wanted all fullness to be found and to
reconcile all things through him, whether in heaven or on earth,
making peace through his death on the cross.—Colossians
1:19–20, adapted
 Reflection
The Temple pilgrimage does not stop when we are welcomed home, but
rather continues up the worshiper’s path, coming to the foot of the cross.
Set in a bed of rock, the cross towers over the pathway and casts its
shadow. To continue up the pathway, one must walk through the shadow of
the cross, for it is here that we come face to face with Jesus, the
wounded healer. We may hesitate to enter the shadow of the cross, but find
it is a necessary step on the journey.
Remembering the suffering and death of Jesus, we recognize the depth of
his love for us.
The journey through the shadow of the cross
is a journey to the heart of love, to that wounded
healer who died that we might have life and
have it more abundantly.
—Velma Ruch, Summoned to Pilgrimage: The Temple as Focus of a Pilgrim
People, 94.
Action
Place a cross in front of you. Be still within and without. Focus on
the cross. Begin humming “Jesus, Remember Me” (Sing a New Song,
26). As you continue humming, hold the cross in your hands and contemplate
what it means to you that Jesus “made peace through his death on the
cross” (Colossians 1:20). Sing “Jesus, Remember Me” to end your
meditation.
Prayer
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand—
The shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From burning of the noontide heat and burdens of the day.
Upon the cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One who suffered there for me;
And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess—
The wonders of redeeming love, and my unworthiness.
I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place.
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face.
Content to own no other place, to know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame, my glory all, the cross.
—Elizabeth C. Clephane, Hymns of the Saints,
428.
Amen.
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