Replace Drinking Straws with the Symbol of the Cross in Our Homes, Fr. Ajoket Urges
Replace Drinking Straws with the Symbol of the Cross in Our Homes, Fr. Ajoket Urges
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was commemorated with deep spiritual reflection as Rev. Fr. Marcel Ajoket, parish priest of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Parish Dakabela and diocesan communications director, delivered a moving homily that called on Christians to strengthen their faith by embracing the symbol of the cross in their daily lives.
Fr. Ajoket reminded the faithful that the cross is not merely a religious emblem but a living sign of Christ’s love, sacrifice, and power. He urged Christians to replace trivial symbols in their homes, such as drinking straws, with the sign of the holy cross, so that every household may constantly be reminded of God’s presence and enduring love.
“The cross is something of love, peace, and power because anyone who sees the cross with hope will be saved,” he said.
According to the priest, the cross embodies the ultimate expression of Jesus’ love for the world. Through it, humanity witnessed God’s mercy and salvation. He warned believers not to take the cross for granted but to adore and revere it as a source of hope and transformation.
Fr. Ajoket stressed that faith in the cross has the power to renew and redirect lives. Genuine devotion to this sacred symbol, he said, changes the way Christians face burdens and challenges.
“Let us be Christians who are dedicated and ready to offer all our burdens to the cross, a sign of love and victory,” he urged.
He emphasized the importance of having the cross within Christian homes, noting that it serves as a constant reminder of Christ’s sacrificial love and provides comfort in difficult times. Beyond the cross, he also encouraged respect for all symbols of the Church, as they strengthen faith and build unity among believers.
“Christians should have hope and respect the symbols of the Church, because they remind us of our faith and connect us to the mystery of Christ’s love,” he added.
Linking the message of the cross to daily living, Fr. Ajoket appealed to Christians to love one another just as Christ loved the world. He emphasized that authentic Christian living cannot exist without love, since love is at the heart of the Gospel. He challenged the faithful to reflect Christ’s compassion and kindness in their families, communities, and workplaces, insisting that the cross is meaningless without genuine acts of love.
The priest further encouraged gratitude even in moments of hardship, reminding believers not to blame God but to deepen their trust in His providence. Drawing from Scripture, he recalled the Israelites who, after being rescued from slavery in Egypt, still grumbled against Moses and God during their trials in the desert. He urged Christians not to repeat this mistake but to transform suffering into opportunities for glorifying God.
In conclusion, Fr. Ajoket described the cross as a sign of victory over sin and death, and called on the faithful to anchor their lives in its meaning.
“Above all, the cross remains a powerful reminder that God’s love conquers all,” he said. “Let us embrace it with faith and let it guide our lives towards peace, love, and victory.”
He ended by encouraging Christians to replace drinking straws and other trivial symbols with the sign of the cross in our homes, so that every household becomes a dwelling of faith, hope, and love.
