M
MormonHero
Guest
Embracing the Cross
I wrote these lines while I was in prison between 1981 and 1982 with a
number of Coptic clergy at the orders of Anwar el-Sadat.
During my incarceration, I experienced the true meaning of embracing the
cross. I hope that the experience reaches many and is a source of blessing
for them.
– The author
The Pain of the Press
Unless we go through the press and experience the pain, the cross will not
mean to us more than just an old myth. Like a drowning person holds on to
the life buoy with dear life, so believers hold on and embrace their cross at
times of pain.
A limited View
The cross may symbolize to us the mystery of sacrifice and salvation. This
somewhat limited view creates a generation of believers who have become
too comfortable the cross becomes an ornament around our necks rather
than a guillotine over our heads. We become selfish rather than selfless.
We run away from pain or suffering as we run away from a treacherous
snake. We seem to have lost the true meaning of discipleship which the
Lord called for ‘Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be
my disciple.’ (Lu. 14:27)…
I wrote these lines while I was in prison between 1981 and 1982 with a
number of Coptic clergy at the orders of Anwar el-Sadat.
During my incarceration, I experienced the true meaning of embracing the
cross. I hope that the experience reaches many and is a source of blessing
for them.
– The author
The Pain of the Press
Unless we go through the press and experience the pain, the cross will not
mean to us more than just an old myth. Like a drowning person holds on to
the life buoy with dear life, so believers hold on and embrace their cross at
times of pain.
A limited View
The cross may symbolize to us the mystery of sacrifice and salvation. This
somewhat limited view creates a generation of believers who have become
too comfortable the cross becomes an ornament around our necks rather
than a guillotine over our heads. We become selfish rather than selfless.
We run away from pain or suffering as we run away from a treacherous
snake. We seem to have lost the true meaning of discipleship which the
Lord called for ‘Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be
my disciple.’ (Lu. 14:27)…