POWER OF THE CROSS WHAT IS THE CROSS

POWER OF THE CROSS

WHAT IS THE CROSS? WHY IS IT SO POWERFUL?

It is like this. . . • • • A powerful king had 2 children … a prince & princess They lived happily in a big & wonderful palace The palace is on a high mountain surrounded by dangerous cliffs

• One day the children were curious • They climbed over the palace walls & fell down the dangerous cliff! • The king was so sad …

• The king had many powerful guards but cannot trust anyone to save his children • So went down himself! • He took off his crown, and started down the dangerous cliff - sharp rocks, thorns … it was difficult

• At the bottom, the children were hungry, thirsty, broken & bruised • The father lovingly bandaged up their wounds, and nursed them back to health • He carried the children on his back to the palace • The children rejoiced to be safe again with their father!

Similar to the story. . .

GOD MAN E G D I R B

Why is the Cross so powerful? • Our Lord crushed Satan (serpent) on the cross • It is a bridge to God • The cross gave us salvation How do we use the power of the Cross? We carry it in us: • pray with it • use it when … happy, thankful, suffering, scared, lonely, sad

CARRY OUR CROSS with love, love patience, patience and joy! joy – Love & pray for everyone (even those who hurt us) – Be helpful & patient, even when it’s hard – Be thankful, don’t complain

“God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” Galatians 6: 14

Stories of the Power of the Cross. . . • Emperor Constantine defeated enemy with the sign of the cross • Queen Helen found 3 crosses, the 3 rd one raised up a dead person

Stories of the Power of the Cross. . . ANBA BARSOUM AL ERIAN • Parents were rich & loved God • When parents died, uncle took all the money • The Saint lived in a cave, always prayed & fasted • A BIG snake lived in that cave! • St. Barsoum did the sign of the CROSS: CROSS “Stand still where you are!” • The snake never came close to hurt St. Barsoum