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Love is an affirmation of a person's goodness. Benedict notes that through love, a person is affirmed, with a "yes" to their existence. Likewise, the person who loves, in return, is affirmed in that love. The entire world is renewed.
One the Cross, Benedict shows us that Christ affirms each one of us in our goodness and existence. He said "yes" to suffering and dying for us, and, therefore, affirms our being. The Cross is the expression of Divine Love.
Benedict notes that to have an all-accepting Christ, who is not also a judge, minimizes both love and the sacrifice on the Cross.
Affirmation is forgiveness and forgiveness leads to truth, to conversion.
As the Pope Emeritus writes, love shows us reality, the truth of ourselves.
Today, as we contemplate the Cross, let us be grateful for our personal affirmation.
