The Wooden Logic of the Cross: A Message to Our Parish
In these difficult days, the “air we breathe” often feels heavy with a dual pressure on our community. Outside our doors, there is a palpable anxiety regarding rising fuel prices and economic strain, while inside our hearts, many of us feel a sense of powerlessness as we watch the war in West Asia, fearing for loved ones caught in the crossfire.
In moments of such scarcity and threat, the world – and even some modern religious movements – offers two seductive lies: the Lie of Prosperity (that faith is a formula for insulation from pain) and the Lie of Power (that we must align ourselves with “strong men” and coercion to survive. However, as we look to the scriptures, we find a “wooden logic” that deconstructs these false gospels.
Challenging the False Gospels The prosperity gospel is a modern heresy that suggests wealth is a sign of divine endorsement. Mark 8:31-33 shows Jesus rebuking Peter for wanting power without a cross. When we feel the weight of economic uncertainty, the world may whisper that our struggle is a lack of righteousness, but the cross screams back: “Your worth is not measured by your wallet”. Similarly, while the world views power as the ability to inflict violence, Philippians 2:5-11 reminds us that Jesus – the true King – did not grasp for status but emptied Himself. The cross is God’s definitive “No” to the idea that coercion is the ultimate reality.
Living the Logic of the Cross Today As a parish, how do we live out this “foolishness” of the cross in a time of fear?
Solidarity over Security: When prices rise and budgets tighten, the temptation is to hoard resources for ourselves. Instead, the cross compels us toward mutual aid. Discipleship in this parish means checking on the single parent who can’t fill their tank and ensuring that, through our community, no one starves.
Lament over Domination: For those terrified for family in war zones, the cross gives us permission to lament and weep. We do not have to pretend to be strong or certain; even Jesus experienced doubt and agony on the cross.
We refuse the logic of retaliation and instead pray for all victims of violence and for the peacemakers.
A Word of Hope The prosperity gospel offers a ladder of success that breaks under the weight of war, and “might is right” offers a sword that cuts the hand wielding it. Jesus offers a cross – it looks like weakness, but it is the power of God.
To those afraid of piling bills: You are worth more than the oil in your tank. To those terrified for family abroad: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and we will weep with you. Let us look away from the “strong men” of this age and look instead to the Crucified One, who does not coerce, but redeems.
A Prayer
Almighty and ever-living God, we place our trust in You.
We pray for the peace of West Asia—a land woven into the story of our faith. Heal the wounds of violence, console those who mourn, and guide leaders away from the path of vengeance toward the difficult, holy work of reconciliation. We also bring before You the financial burdens carried by the families of this parish. In a world that measures worth by wealth, remind us that our true security rests in You. Provide for those who are struggling, open doors of opportunity for the unemployed, and teach us to be generous stewards of the gifts we have received.
Above all, grant us the courage to live by the logic of the cross. When the world tells us to cling to power, help us to humble ourselves. When the world tells us to retaliate, help us to forgive. When the world tells us to despair, help us to hope. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who embraced the cross for our salvation. Amen.
Samuel J Ponniah