In the Voice of Moreau: We use the word “crucial” to describe the most important part of a story or a lesson or an explanation, but do we realize that this word literally means “like the Cross.” In the same way that “crucial” things are the point, we can say that the Cross is the ultimate point of life – a horizontal and a vertical beam, symbolically encapsulating all of reality, converging in a single point where our Lord’s Sacred Heart pumps blood for the life of the world. Beyond the historical crucifixion of Jesus, the Cross continues to be the point in a mystical form that we catch glimpses of during peak spiritual and emotional moments in our lives. See how people from all sorts of religious traditions and cultural backgrounds are naturally attracted to the Cross. They marvel at it, wondering what it could mean, but at the same time their gaze and attention reveal the correspondence of this “crucial” symbol with something deep in their souls. The Cross is the point of it all, and our hearts will be restless until they are joined with our Lord’s. Let us therefore meet him at this “crucial” juncture and find peace. Ave Crux, Spes Unica!
Holy Cross Educator’s Response: The most essential time, the crux, the crucial moment of each class period for CSC educators is placing Christ crucified somewhere within the minutes of instruction. It takes conscientious commitment to think Ave Crux Spes Unica as each class is designed. For veteran educators as well as newbies, this methodology needs to be preceded by a time of prayerful reflection. What is the focal point of this lesson on poetic scansion or chemical reaction or discussion of an economic theory? When is the opportune time to suggest to students that their educational life is made up of more than well placed semicolons, memorized algorithms and theorems, the correct declension of verbs, or the accurate identification of cells? Among the countless factoids that might guarantee success in living a civil citizenship, where does the CSC educator create the peak spiritual moment and how? Starting each class with a prayer that invokes Hagia Sophia, Holy Wisdom, is a great beginning. Christ Redeemer, grant us eyes of insight and a courageous heart to bring together our human struggle tempered by your desire to love us unconditionally. Amen. The class is now focused to work with the reality of reading and writing or math and science or historical investigation and so forth. The teacher’s role is to inform minds and to frequently refocus students upon the crucial truth. Christ crucified is the only way to heaven because all reality is crucified with Him. Embrace the Cross and be loved into eternal life. Ave Crux Spes Unica!
How true this is. Keep living the mission.
Dear Philip and Benjamin,Many thanks for giving us food and nourishment at the end of the week and as we prepare to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection on Sundays.I always find your scriptural/theological foundation and your connecting to our role as educators helpful and insightful. Only the Lord knows how many minds and hearts you touch first with your brothers in Holy Cross but also those of our associates and collaborators and ultimately those we teach and/or preach to and/or counsel.You have a great ministry!!!Fraternally,Bill
Hello Bill, it is so good to hear you voice! Albeit through your post.
We are very excited about the positive response from both within and beyond the bounds of the community.
We will keep writing and posting however the spirit leads us.
Peace shalom, let us talk soon….Ben