My Short Reflection on the indestructible Cross in a Catholic Church in Joplin

Fr. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara CSsR

May 28, 2011

On May 22, 2011, a dangerous tornado hit the city of Joplin, Missouri, USA and destroyed virtually everything that was standing. Throughout the history of America, this tornado is regarded as the most powerful and the most destructive. It was so powerful and deadly that it leveled the entire city; houses even those built with bricks were reduced to rubbles, cars and huge and heavy trucks were smashed; trees were brought down and cut into pieces; everything standing before the tornado hit was shattered and littered. But in the city of Joplin is a Catholic Church, St. Mary's. The church’s building like every other building in Joplin was seriously damaged. In front of this Catholic Church is a 6-foot Cross, mounted on top of the church building. This Cross was not touched or affected by the monstrous tornado. The most powerful tornado in the history of America could not bring down the Cross. In the entire community, this Cross is the only thing standing.

In the 80’s, a tornado had also hit the city of Joplin. But this Cross was not destroyed or even affected. It stood tall and untouched after everything else was destroyed and shattered into pieces. Because the Cross had remained unaffected after two powerful tornadoes, it has after this recent mayhem become a symbol of hope for the people of Joplin who have lost everything they had including some of their loved ones. Through this indestructible Cross, our Lord Jesus Christ seems to be assuring the people of Joplin that despite all they had lost, that he the Lord of life is still there for them. Through the Cross, the Lord seems to be saying to the people, "look up here and be consoled." The Cross which has remained untouched after two powerful tornadoes reminds the people of Joplin in USA that the Lord is still in their midst. It says to them, "Before you despair, complain and question God why he allowed such a tragedy to happen to you, remember what happened to me on this cross." Do not forget my own painful experience on the Cross. Before you give up on God, look at the Cross. Remember I too suffered on the Cross. Look at this Cross, and remember that what happened on this Cross was not the final day or the final word. The final day or word is Easter when new life was born. After my death on the Cross, I lived again, and because I live, you too can live. Because I live, you can face tomorrow.

Jesus seems to be saying to the people of Joplin, look at the Cross and find hope. To unbelievers, the Cross is a symbol of defeat. But you know what happened after three days. The Cross is not a symbol of defeat; it is rather a symbol of victory. On this Cross, I won for you. On this Cross, I gave you victory. On this Cross, I brought new life to you. On this Cross, I paid the ultimate prize for you. On this Cross, I crushed the devil. On this Cross, I brought back smile again on your faces. Though your entire city and community have been annihilated, the Cross reminds you that it shall be well. You shall rise up again. Though you have lost some beloved ones, but take a look at the Cross. It tells that I am here for you. Do not be hopeless, instead be hopeful. You have lost everything, but you haven’t lost me. I am here. Remember I am Immanuel, the God who is with you.

That Cross in a Catholic Church in Joplin, Missouri, USA which has survived two powerful tornadoes is a symbol of hope for the people of Joplin and to us. In the tick of life’s crisis, the Lord is there with us. He has promised never to leave or forsake us. Do not forget the Lord’s unchanging promise to us in Hebrew 13: 5 "I will never leave or forsake you." And in Deuteronomy 31:6 he says “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Again he says Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Look up to the Cross of Jesus Christ. On that Cross lies our victory. On that Cross lies our hope. On that Cross lies our salvation. On that Cross lies our deliverance. On that Cross lies our today and our tomorrow. The Cross of Jesus Christ is our peace. That Cross is our smile even in the face of difficult, crisis and misfortune. That Cross is our strength. That Cross is our joy. That Cross is our hope. That Cross is our new beginning. That Cross is our rising up. That Cross is our leaning wall. That Cross is our rest. When you are down, do not look down, look up. Look up to the Cross. Jesus has been lifted up. He says in John 12:32, “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” Your love, Jesus Christ has been lifted up for you and me. Look up to the Son of Man lifted up for us on the Cross. On that Cross we lean. Lean on the Cross and live!