At the foot of the Cross

 The Cross ~ opposition, obstacles and sacrifice are the ordinary tokens of this holy undertaking ~ and it is a long path scattered with stones and thorns. God's works, however continue to develop, prosper... and will reach their perfection and triumph. This is the loving and wise management of divine Providence, confirmed by the history of the Church and by all the Apostolic Missions on earth..." St. Comboni wrote these words at a time of famine and plague ~ and those who have lived mission know that these words are completely true.

Read with reference today ~ these words tell us:

* The truth of the Gospel of salvation of Christ can be proclaimed, welcomed and absorbed only in the mystery of the Cross. It is only in the power of the Easter Mystery that the world will be saved.

* Every methodology must submit to the litmus-test of the Cross

* Any missionary experience whatsoever has to be understood and lived as a continuation of the journey that began on Pentecost morning, at the door leading out of the Cenacle.

St. Comboni chose the foolishness of the Cross: it is the way of apparent weakness that Jesus himself chose freely. It remains, then, the only way.