High on a hilltop outside the Portuguese Colony, Macao, stands the towering façade of St. Paul's Cathedral that was destroyed by a major earthquake, followed by a raging typhoon. Still perched atop its pinnacle is its Cross, unshaken by time and earth's elements. Many years ago, being so moved after visiting this sight, John Bowring (1792-1872) penned a beautiful Christian hymn, "In the Cross of Christ I Glory": (lyrics) (listen)
Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure, By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure, Joys that thro' all time abide.
No, peace is not possible for the rebel. Only to the humble in spirit who cry out in anguish and desperation can the heart be unlocked to receive such a costly gift--such a prized possession for which the burdened soul longs.
A "Peace...that knows no measure,..." and "...Joys that thro' all time abide" is a refrain that pierces the senses of a seeking soul! "Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure" are indeed sanctified in a moment when embracing the Cross of our Christ. Anything else is counterfeit and incapable.
- Ken Livingston
Author: Ken Livingston
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