Editorial Comments

Crossfixed

This issue of the Notebook grapples with the heart of the Christian Mystery. The paradox of God's love is met in the ambiguous anguish of a crucifixion. In the presence of such contradiction one can understand the anguish of the old German Hymn, O Darkest Woe. "O sorrow dread, our God is dead!"

Suffering sometimes leads one to such acclamations of anxiety. One feels God-less, alone, bereft of help, and often tempted to despair. It is good then to remember that the cross bearer was not silent. The last words sustain the faithful sufferer. "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!" Those are words of hope over experience. They are words we know, they are the words of Jesus. Making them our words is the challenge of suffering and faith. They are learned only in that conflict.

That struggle is at the heart of human meaning and life. To live is to have suffered; to live well is to have suffered faithfully. The cross shadows all our being, and behind that grayness of being there is the light of God's love. There can be no shadow without the light, no Christian cross without the mystery of Easter. We fix our sight on the double vision of Jesus' dying and rising. Therein is a focus for life.

Editorial Notes:

I welcome Amy Florian as colleague and editorial companion. Amy brings wonderful writing, editing, and creative skills to her new position. Amy also joins the Stauros Board.

With this issue we are moving to a more standard form of author identification. The authors' names will accompany the essays, and other information about the author will be found on the inside cover panel.

I want to add a parting word of gratitude to Passionist father Sebastian MacDonald for all his support and commitment to Stauros over the past years. Sebastian, we will miss you.

Stephen Schmidt, Editor