That relationship is, of course, at the heart of Christianity, for belief in the Incarnation and the salvific work accomplished on the cross are central for Christians. The reading from Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians is a great Christological hymn offered in thanksgiving for the Incarnation. This raises a significant point about the Cross: it is not a sign of God’s wrath, but a concrete demonstration of His love for man. God used the altar of the Cross to forgive, to destroy death, and to offer eternal life. (This “Opening the Word” column originally appeared in the September 14, 2008, edition of Our Sunday Visitor newspaper.)