Week of April 9, 2001
Lynn W.

"May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
     Galatians 6:14 (NRSV)

This past weekend I went on a Lenten retreat focusing on my awareness and witness to God. There were faith testimonies, singing praises to God, worship and time for reflection. I was the only one at my table who brought a Bible and I shared with whoever wanted to locate the scripture passage. I reflected on an old, famous, Protestant hymn, which brought tears into my eyes. This hymn was my Grandfather's favorite, which is not found in our green Lutheran Book of Worship. Our Christian faith is full of rich traditions and how we miss out because of different denominations.

The Old Rugged Cross
By George Bennard: 1913
 
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
 
Refrain:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
 
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
Refrain:
 
To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then he'll call me someday to my home far away,
Where his glory forever I share.
Refrain:

This Lenten season I have been blessed with embracing another church's tradition and was told they were blessed with mine. One person said to me, "You were the first one to greet my husband and me this weekend and you gave us hospitality. I assumed you were part of the retreat team and found out that you were Lutheran. I want you to have the highest medal in the Catholic Church which was made just for you." I was in awe of her faith and yet I did not deserve anything for what I did. But as I thought of this song, this medal and my life, I lay down for Jesus.

Heavenly Father,
The old rugged cross reminds us of Your son, Jesus, who suffered on a cross to pay for our sins, so that we can share in His glory. We are undeserving of Your gracious gift, no matter what we do as part of a team or by ourselves in this world. Whatever we accomplish in our lifetime, belongs to You and Your glory, not ours. May we embrace the rich blessings of our past so that we can share Christian traditions to another generation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Contributed by Lynn W.
Published Monday April 9, 2001
Week 20 of Liturgical Year C