July 16th, 2021: Symbols

 

Canadian Forces Snowbirds flew over Calgary on Wednesday this week. The name of this operation was Inspiration. It was the way for the team to honor one of the comrades who died last year in an accident. It was also how they expressed their appreciation for healthcare workers. For some of you who might not know, the snowbirds are iconic symbol in Canada as a flying acrobatic team. They have represented Canada all over the world for many years. They are the symbol of Canada's pride.

Symbols are important in many cultures and many groups. They signify what we are about and what we stand for in terms of values and convictions. I went to a school that has a flame as its symbol. Many of us have taken pride in that flame. It reminds us that we need to be a flame that provides hope, clarity, and direction. It is also about a desire to make a difference.

As a Christians, the cross is also an important symbol to me. It is a reminder of how God has reached out to the world with love and compassion. By receiving that mercy of God, God now asks us to touch one another with His love and compassion. It is not just a piece of jewelry. Whenever I think about it, I encounter my own solemn reflection.

Many groups and people have misused the symbol of the cross. When they are doing that, they failed to understand the essentiality of its meaning. It should not be a symbol of oppression. It should be about freedom, sacrifice mercy. We might have a better understanding of its meaning if we devote some time to study the life of Jesus himself.

1 Peter 2: 24-25

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

Matthew 27: 32

"As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross."