There is perhaps a tendency these days for many Christians to focus on the Risen Lord rather than on the Crucified Christ. We often hear Christians describing themselves as "We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song." Couldn't this idea of Jesus be a little limited?

While the people are in awe at Jesus' mighty deeds, Luke insists that His greatest mighty deed is His death on the Cross. In His second passion prediction Jesus solemnly announces that He will be handed over into the power of humans. But the disciples will be able to perceive the centrality of the Cross only later on - after Jesus' resurrection and His revelation to the disciples.

The Cross is a stumbling block for many of us. Often when we approach it we either trip and fall or we choose to avoid or ignore it. We are not at ease with the scandal of the Cross. However, our call to be Christian is a call to embrace the Cross and to discover its rich meaning for our lives. Only in embracing the scandal of the Cross can we experience the full meaning and power of the resurrection. Clearly one without the other is inadequate.