The Hidden Glory of the Cross
Reflection on Luke 9:43b-45
Scripture: Luke 9:43b–45
“While they were all amazed at His every deed, He said to His disciples, ‘Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.’ But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.” (Luke 9:43b-45)
In today’s Gospel, we see a striking contrast.
Jesus had just performed a powerful miracle, and the crowds were amazed at the greatness of God revealed through Him. There was awe, amazement, perhaps even joy among the people. But amid this glory, Jesus turns to His disciples with a sobering message:
“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.”
Why would Jesus bring up His impending Passion in a moment of triumph?
Because the glory of God is not just revealed in power and miracles—but most deeply in love, humility, and sacrifice. The cross, though it appears as weakness to the world, is the greatest act of divine love. And Jesus wants His disciples to understand this. He is preparing them not just for His glory, but for the path of suffering that leads to it.
Yet the Gospel tells us something curious:
“They did not understand... and they were afraid to ask Him.”
This tells us two things:
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God’s plan often unfolds in ways we don’t immediately understand. Even the closest followers of Christ struggled to grasp what He meant. To them, the idea of the Messiah suffering and being handed over was unthinkable. Their vision of glory did not include the cross. And so they couldn’t comprehend that salvation would come through suffering.
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Fear can keep us from intimacy with Jesus. The disciples were afraid to ask Him what He meant. Maybe they feared the answer. Maybe they were confused. Maybe they didn't want to look ignorant. But that fear kept them at a distance in a moment when Jesus was inviting them deeper.
How often do we, like the disciples, shy away from the harder truths of our faith? How often do we avoid the cross in our own lives—whether it’s a personal struggle, a sacrifice, or an invitation to love when it’s difficult?
Jesus is gently calling us to pay attention—not just to the wonders He performs, but to the mystery of the cross, which stands at the center of our faith. He is not asking us to understand everything all at once. But He is asking us to trust Him—even when His words or ways confuse us.
As Catholics, we are invited to enter into this mystery especially in the Eucharist. At every Mass, we remember and participate in this sacred handing over—Christ giving Himself for us. In the breaking of the bread, we are reminded: glory and suffering are not opposites in God's kingdom. The road to resurrection passes through Calvary.
Key Takeaway:
Jesus reveals His glory not only in miracles but most fully in the mystery of the cross. To follow Him means to trust Him—even when we don't understand.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
You are the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth.
Yet sometimes, like the disciples, we struggle to understand Your ways.
Give us the courage to draw close to You, even when we are confused or afraid.
Help us to embrace the cross in our lives, knowing that through it, You bring resurrection and life.
Teach us to trust in Your love, especially in times of suffering or uncertainty.
May Your Spirit guide us deeper into the mystery of Your Passion,
so that we may live not only in awe of Your miracles,
but in union with Your saving sacrifice. Amen.
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