It’s been said that we don’t choose our patron saints—they choose us. This is certainly…
The Cross as the Tree of Life
(Painting by Laura Ercolino, Copyright 2024)
Today, I’d like to share some reflections on the spirituality of Christ the Bridegroom and what that means for the way we view the Cross.
When I think about the cross, I often recall its historical context. The Romans designed it to be an instrument of great torture, a means to instill fear. They wanted to say, “Obey, or this will happen to you.”
We see in the Crucifixion that nothing, not even the worst form of torture, would stop Christ from doing the Will of His Father.
For a long time, that’s where my understanding stopped. But as I’ve grown to know Christ as the Bridegroom, I’ve come to see the Cross in a new light.
The connection to the wood of the Cross goes deep—literally back to the very beginning with Adam and Eve. From a tree with forbidden fruit, sin entered our world, transforming paradise into a place of struggle and sorrow. Even though we experience moments of joy, we can all agree that this world is not Heaven.
Yet, in a miraculous turn of events, the wood that once represented death—the cross—now symbolizes salvation.
Christ invites us to approach this “new tree” and partake of its life-giving fruit. Where Adam and Eve were barred from the tree of life due to sin, we are now invited to come to the Cross, which has been transformed into a source of life.
The Cross, once a symbol of death, now brings forth new life. It reminds me of the ancient prophecy: “The stump of Jesse shall sprout again.” This imagery resonates with the idea that from what seems dead—like the stump—new life can emerge. Jesus, the new Adam, offers us this new beginning, inviting us to accept His gift of eternal life.
During my travels in the Holy Land, I had the privilege of visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where it is believed Jesus was buried. It’s a fascinating place where different Christian denominations share the space, each vying for their moment to pray at the sacred site. Amidst this, a powerful statue captured my attention—a Crucifix where blood and sweat drip from Jesus, landing on the ground below, where the skulls of Adam and Eve lie. This striking image reminds us that Jesus died not only for us but also for our ancestors, bringing redemption and new life to all.
In the Song of Songs, we see the Bridegroom’s longing for His bride, a beautiful image of love. He is going to meet her underneath an apple tree. Interestingly, when we think of the forbidden fruit, we often picture an apple, even though the Bible doesn’t specify. Nevertheless, through Christ, what was once poisonous has been transformed into something that nourishes and sustains us.
The forbidden tree becomes the meeting place of Christ and His bride.
The cross teaches us that Jesus does not merely say, “I would die for you.” He does die for us. This act of self-sacrifice reveals the depth of His love. Imagine the kind of person who would lay down their life for another; such love is powerful and transformative.
As we embrace this mystery, let’s remember that we were created to be loved. Jesus, the new Adam, sees each of us as His beloved. Just as Eve was made from Adam’s rib, we are intricately connected to Christ. We are called to love Him back and share in His eternal life.
Let us renew our understanding of love and the Cross—not just as suffering but as a profound expression of new life. May we always strive to reflect the love of Christ in our relationships and our lives.
In the Heart of Christ,
Fr. Michael Stalla, Spiritual Advisor of Hope’s Garden – Copyright 2025
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