This is Saint Andrew’s Cross.
Today is the Feast Day of Saint Andrew, the first apostle to be called by Jesus.
He is the patron saint of Scotland, Russia and Greece, places known for rebellions and revolutions.
Today is also dedicated to Andres Bonifacio, the leader of the Philippine Revolution,
He was named after Saint Andrew.
Followers of Christ have often been seen as rebels and revolutionaries.
A serious reading of the gospels will show that the teachings of Christ
are radical, counter-cultural and subversive of the existing order.
He once declared:
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.
I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
In my youth, full of idealism and fired with romantic enthusiasm,
I was enamored by Christ the rebel, the revolutionary.
Today, in my old age, I struggle to keep pace with this same Jesus
as I try to live by his words.
Today, I wish for my life to be gentler, kinder, more tender and more loving;
but I am also still inspired by the Christ
who, in righteous anger, cleared the temple of those
who would desecrate the place;
or who willingly laid down his life for his friends.