The Symbol of Hope in Our Darkest Hour

On October 26 of 312, Constantine marched on Rome to battle Maxentius for the imperial throne. It was on this day that he received a vision in the sky of a cross as bright as the Sun, instructing him to conquer under this sign. Because of his obedient submission to this divine command, Constantine triumphed against overwhelming numbers and won his victory. This was not the last triumph of the Cross of Christ. The more impressive triumph was that of Christianity over the pagan world. After passing through its darkest hour of persecution, the Church soon converted the entire known world. In the dark hour in which we find ourselves today, we have firm hope that the cross will bring us victory once again. The cross is the instrument of love saturated with the Blood of God and will be tied to him for all eternity. We are called not only to take up our cross daily but, like St. Andrew, to embrace our crosses with the greatest love.