“Be in solidarity with those who suffer. ’The Cross, which cries out God’s love for humanity, incarnates Jesus’ plan to bring the good news to the poor and oppressed.’ (Jean-Marc Ela, “Is God Neutral?”) Ela’s statement tells the reality of the cross, which is all about a personal communion with God and all persons who live under the oppressive structures and powers of an unjust society.

Thus, unless I dispose myself to be in authentic solidarity with those who experience such detrimental human realities of oppression, poverty, and violation of their human dignity and rights, my life will not experience the transforming power of Jesus’ cross.

Therefore, it is in and through the tension between oppression and liberation that the cross can effect its transforming power and grace in my life. If I indeed believe that God’s love is incarnated in such a miserable human reality, I should then discover God’s loving and suffering face in the transforming experience of the cross by extending a liberating hand to my sisters and brothers who experience the oppression and suffering of human poverty, hunger, tyranny, and sickness.”

Alfredo Ocampo, CP, 3.16.08


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