II The Message

The Intent Of The Cross

The Lord has tailor-made a cross for each of us, custom-fitting it according to our purpose within His will. There is one intention which overrides all our individual differences - to replace our natural selfishness with a new compassion. This compassion flows from Christ, through the heart, and reaches out to one another. It is by way of love that we are gradually transformed into love through the love of Christ.

"Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted Him." (Matthew 7.13-14)


Compassion Of The Cross

Christ made Himself vulnerable,
As one with all of humankind:
His compassion - universal;
His countenance - gentle and kind.

This love led Him to sacrifice
Himself for all upon the cross;
His own power did not entice -
He willed that not one soul be lost.

This same compassion animates
The hearts of those who truly heed,
With love that would not hesitate,
To lift the heart of one in need.

The heart of God is compassion.
Each soul is precious in His sight;
His love flows through all creation -
Even the cross and the dark night.

Always recall that God is love;
In Him, each soul can rise above!


"The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and His compassion is over all that He has made." (Psalm 145.8-9)

Lord, help me recall Your compassion and gentle kindness, and may I never lose sight of Your mercy, especially in facing the cold lack of love we so often have for one another. Amen.

(c) Paul Buis, 2009