Jesus on the Cross: WHY?, by Philip St. Romain. Ave Maria Press, 1987. Reprinted by Contemplative Ministries, Inc., 2011.
What exactly do we mean when we say that Jesus died for our sins? What are the implications of his death for our lives today?
In Jesus on the Cross: WHY? author Philip St. Romain elaborates an understanding of the crucifixion that makes sense today, and shows how this understanding and appreciation of the cross can make a difference in people’s lives. “I
seldom hear the cross discussed from the pulpit,” explains the author, “and I find a great confusion among many people concerning its meaning.” He insists that piously reciting the usual formulas is no longer meaningful to most people.
St. Romain’s reflections focus on several themes, including the crucifixion as a fulfillment of the Jewish tradition of suffering servant; as a new covenant between God and human beings; as an expiatory sacrifice; as a means of breaking
the power of sin; and as a lesson on how we can grow through our own times of suffering.
His discussions are carried on in pastoral terms derived from scripture and his experience of living and working in the world. Most chapters include a section on catechetical considerations of a renewed understanding of the crucifixion, as well as questions for personal reflection and discussion.
St. Romain continues the approach he established in his book on the
Resurrection, Jesus Alive in Our Lives, of reaching toward the will and devotion of an intelligent post-Vatican Council readership.
Today’s saint could be a patron for those of us who feel so overwhelmed by all the problems in the world that we don’t know where to begin.
Hugh, who served as a bishop in France for 52 years, had his work cut out for him from the start. Corruption seemed to loom in every direction: the
buying and selling of Church offices, violations of clerical celibacy, lay control of Church property, religious indifference and/or ignorance. After serving as bishop for two years, he’d had his fill. He tried disappearing to a monastery, but the pope called him back to continue the work of reform.
Ironically, Hugh
was reasonably effective in the role of reformer—surely because of his devotion to the Church but also because of his strong character. In conflicts between Church and state he was an unflinching defender of the Church. He fearlessly supported the papacy. He was eloquent as a preacher. He restored his own cathedral, made civic improvements in the town and weathered a brief exile.
Hugh may be best known as patron and benefactor of St. Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order.
Hugh died in 1132. He was canonized only two years later.
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Truducianism is the teaching that the immaterial human soul is transmitted through the natural act of procreation and is generated along with the material human body. Therefore, as the human body is generated from the life of the parents, so is the soul. This position teaches that the human soul in each individual is not generated by God's active
hand at each conception, but is rather a continued generation from Adam who was the only soul directly made by God (Eve being taken from Adam).
