In the Voice of Moreau: The psychology of the cross is one of utter blindness. Imagine being the crucified Christ, looking out on the faces of strangers as they stand beneath in derision and delight while others pass by this tragic scene without even noticing the bitterness and agony of an unjust execution. Father, how could this happen? This cannot be your will. This does not make any sense. I did everything I was supposed to do. Why have you forsaken me? And so, as the intellect pours itself out trying to find a solution to this paradox, darkness begins to descend, clouding all memory, good judgment and emotion. What is left but the human will in all of its rawness and glory? And this is precisely where a true act of faith is possible, as our Lord demonstrates for us what it actually means to be a child of God. Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. This singular blind act of trust becomes the basis of the whole Christian life. But oh how we resist this blindness! How we cling to our logic, our categories, our timelines, our visions and our dreams. We mistake the natural light of our minds for the infinite illumination of our salvation which can never be thought of or conceptualized, but only entered into by a simple and courageous act of trust. Teach us, O Lord, the way of the cross; teach us to be friends with the night. Ave Crux Spes Unica!
Holy Cross Educator’s Reply: “Because you [Thomas] have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” ( John 20:29). Taking the leap of faith requires decision-making with boldness and optimism ignoring tangible data that appears to indicate that the odds of success are minimal. “To boldly go where no [person] has gone before” necessitates that one abandon comfort zones and venture into the darkness when the intellect predicts failure, yet faith propels us into the loving arms of the crucified Christ. To the end of time God is with us, and His promises to us will never fail! I am reminded of a song that says, “Take courage, the harvest is ripe. Lift up your voice, because Jesus is alive!” If we have hope in Jesus, and whatever He calls us to do, He will equip us for the task. Trust Jesus with it all. As CSC educators, we have but one purpose: to prepare our students to be citizens of two realms. It is with a firm yet gentle demeanor that we build relationships which invite our students often to travel with us in “utter blindness”. To step off the cliff and embrace that which they perceive as either incomprehensible or non-achievable. Movement into and through these educational relationships are not simple for so many of our students. If the teacher’s methodology is grounded in a trustworthiness that fosters the hope that no one will be lost in the darkness, then I say, Ave Crux Spes Unica!
Voice of Moreau 