In the area of San Diego where we live, a look at most any window can reveal signage—most commonly: BLM, rainbow flag, resist (Trump), and occasionally an upside-down American flag, for example. So, surprise me (and perhaps you): The cross seen in the Featured Image, on April 3, 2024, along Park Blvd, a few blocks from the zoo.
Except for the few churches, I can’t recall ever seeing a cross so brazenly displayed in a neighborhood where people demand what they can get rather than what they can give—like the rainbow house of, ah, worship that claims “Love is Love is all You Need”. Ah, no.
If you actually read the four gospels, Jesus Christ preaches service and sacrifice. That’s the love he talks about: Put God and other people before yourself. As soon as anyone starts affirming their, ah, identity—whether gender, sex, or politics and victim grievances, too—love and acceptance are all about them. There is nothing Christian about that.
This cross, and the sentiment expressed, are refreshing reminders for Easter Sunday, when the brutal mocking, torture, and killing of the Messiah results in resurrection. Jesus suffered for you, and he opened the path to spiritual salvation. But redemption of the flesh, and cleansing of original sin, is left for the Second Coming. If you have never asked why Christ didn’t complete the task 2,000 years ago, you really should. Then consider the implications, assuming as Jesus might say you have eyes to see and ears to hear.
Let’s talk photos. Nikon Zf has a switch under the shutter speed dial for toggling to black and white. The camera saves color in RAW and monochrome as JPEG. That feature let me choose two different views in either rendering.
Vitals for the B&W: f/6.3, ISO 110, 1/500 sec, 200mm; 12:26 p.m. EDT. The other: f/11, ISO 160, 1/250 sec, 62mm; 12:26 p.m. Both are composed as captured, using NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens.