8 November | EVERYONE

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST?

«I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.» Galatians 2: 20

How can someone be crucified with another person? What does Paul mean when he uses this figure of speech? This statement describes the secret of a life of victory over the natural tendencies that drag us into evil. If we succeed in making this theory a real experience in daily life, we will have discovered the missing key. Paul refers to an experience of identification and love with Jesus, the Lord of his life.

In this life there are all kinds of loves. Big and small. True and false. Some bring sadness and others cheer. Some soothe and others hurt. Some make you cry. Others make you smile. Deep loves and light loves. Loves, in summary, of all races and in all languages. Most of them are banal human loves. The husband says to the wife, “I will love you all my life.” And after a while, perhaps not long, his promise becomes water that runs into oblivion. The father promises the son, “I will never stop loving you.” But, wounded by frustration, he sees his love turn to fog in the midst of his disenchantment.

However, God’s love has no measure. He found Saul on the desert road and transformed him into the apostle Paul. A love story that cannot be explained in words but is lived in the reality of the Cross. The repentant and forgiven sinner identifies himself with his Lord and proclaims, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me,” and from now on his life in the flesh consists in living in the faith of the One who loved him to the point of giving everything for him.

Take Action

Pray to the Lord today: “I am yours, Father, I live in you and you live in me. We are one, and I fear nothing, for wherever I go, You will go with me.” Sing “I Have Been Crucified with Christ” (if possible, with your family).