I don’t usually write about politics or religion, given that social justice must stand above beliefs or political parties. Recently, I had a very interesting debate with a priest that inspired me to write this article about the crucifixion of Jesus, which, regardless of whether you are a believer or not, is very inspiring.
The act in which Jesus is nailed to the cross symbolizes one of the most intense moments of suffering, sacrifice, and dedication. In a philosophical context, this image can be used to reflect on the social challenges we face today as humanity. Thus, the act of being “nailed to the cross” becomes a profound metaphor for the sacrifices and collective adversities that, in one way or another, each individual and society must face to overcome barriers toward common well-being.
The cross as a symbol of social burdens
The cross on which Jesus was nailed represents, in many ways, the burdens and difficulties that each society carries with it. These “crosses” can be reflected in social inequalities, poverty, wars, injustice, and discrimination. Just like in the eleventh station, where Jesus accepts his fate with patience and perseverance, the social problems that challenge us require not only acceptance but also active responsibility. The sacrifice of Jesus is a symbol of commitment, of being willing to suffer in the flesh to change conditions of oppression, an ideal applicable to social movements seeking to break cycles of injustice.
Nailed to unjust systems
Just as Jesus was physically nailed to the cross, many people around the world are “nailed” to systems that perpetuate inequality and suffering. Structural poverty, lack of opportunities, and unjust economic systems are nails that bind millions of people to inhumane conditions. Humanity is trapped in a dynamic where some suffer for others to prosper, a paradox that invites ethical reflection on redistribution and the purpose of the economy. Jesus accepted suffering as part of his mission, but we, as a society, must ask ourselves if it is fair that so many remain nailed to these conditions when alternatives exist to generate well-being and equity.
Resistance to change as an “act of nailing”
The act of nailing Jesus to the cross can also be interpreted as a symbol of resistance to change. People and institutions that benefit from unjust systems tend to resist reforms, thus nailing down progress and hopes for change. This resistance is similar to the attitude of those who allowed Jesus’ crucifixion, who preferred to maintain the status quo rather than accept a revolutionary message. Social challenges, such as climate change, systemic racism, or labor exploitation, require the breaking of these resistances to allow progress toward a more just and sustainable society.
Sacrifice as a driver of social change
Jesus is nailed to the cross in an act of extreme sacrifice, accepting pain to demonstrate his love and his mission. This sacrifice is a call to social action; it invites us to reflect on what we are willing to sacrifice, as individuals and as a society, to build a better world. Today’s social movements, from climate activism to the fight for human rights, reflect this same spirit of sacrifice. Just as Jesus transformed suffering into a source of hope, people and communities must transform their daily struggles into a force for change that inspires and builds.
The resurrection as a metaphor for social hope
Finally, the crucifixion, although dark and painful, inevitably leads to resurrection. This is a powerful metaphor that, despite suffering and sacrifice, there is a hope for redemption. In the social sphere, this hope can be understood as the possibility of transforming unjust systems and inequalities into opportunities for growth, justice, and peace. Jesus’ sacrifice ultimately becomes a symbol that true change requires effort, pain, and perseverance, but carries with it the promise of renewal, of a future where well-being and equity prevail.
The crucifixion of Jesus reminds us of the harshness of the challenges we face as a society, but also of the strength that arises from sacrifice and dedication to others. Jesus, by being nailed to the cross, shows a determination that invites humanity to take on its own burden, to fight to overcome social obstacles, and to sacrifice for the common good. On this path of social transformation, each sacrifice, each effort, represents a step toward the resurrection of a more just and humane society, where we can all share in well-being and hope.
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