Greetings on this the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Readings: Numbers 21:4b-9; Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17
Summary
Whenever the serpent bit someone, the person looked at the bronze serpent and recovered. But he, being merciful, forgave their sin and destroyed them not; Often he turned back his anger and let none of his wrath be roused. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Num 21:9b; PS 78:38; Jn 3:16; Phil 2:9-11).
Reflection
- The Cross, once a sign of brutal domination, now a sign of love.
- The Cross, once a sign to be feared, now a sign of discipleship.
- The Cross, once a sign of defeat and humiliation, now a sign of victory and salvation.
Personal Reflection
There are moments in a person’s life when we doubt love. OK, maybe you never did, but I think most of us have. And it is always refreshing to see new signs or repeated expressions of love from the Beloved that make afresh the reality of ‘so loved‘. Isn’t that why we formalize Birthdays, Anniversaries, Achievements and our Love Stories retold to young and old alike? Isn’t that why we take photos, make videos and hold onto keepsakes – sometimes for a lifetime?
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your Cross you have redeemed the world.
Today we adore Christ because of this Cross. Because you so love us.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091426.cfm
Earlier reflection on this feast from 2021: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2021/09/14/sign-of-the-cross/
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry