What is the exaltation of the Holy Cross about? You can google it and find the historical background for this feast. But the real question we should be asking is what does it mean for you and me? That is, if it means anything at all to us Christians?
Do I look upon a cross and remember that Christ Jesus my Lord and God, allowed Himself to be tortured, crucified and later died for my sins. He was lifted high and hung on the cross to draw everyone to Himself; so that we have hope to rise to new life in Him. Just as He rose from the dead in glory and is seated at the right hand of God our Heavenly Father.
Do I look upon the cross of my Lord and see His great love for me, do I reciprocate that love given freely, by walking in His ways? Do I love my brethren, my neighbour just as my Lord loves me?
Do I embrace that cross and look upon it as more than just an outward sign of an inward grace? For His abounding grace flows through me as I live in His everlasting presence!
We Adore You, O Christ, and We Bless You, Because by Your Cross You Have Redeemed the World. Amen
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First reading
Numbers 21:4-9 ·
If anyone was bitten by a serpent, he looked up at the bronze serpent and lived
On the way through the wilderness the people lost patience. They spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in this wilderness? For there is neither bread nor water here; we are sick of this unsatisfying food.’
At this God sent fiery serpents among the people; their bite brought death to many in Israel. The people came and said to Moses, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Intercede for us with the Lord to save us from these serpents.’ Moses interceded for the people, and the Lord answered him, ‘Make a fiery serpent and put it on a standard. If anyone is bitten and looks at it, he shall live.’ So Moses fashioned a bronze serpent which he put on a standard, and if anyone was bitten by a serpent, he looked at the bronze serpent and lived.
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Gospel
John 3:13-17
God sent his Son so that through him the world might be saved
Jesus said to Nicodemus:
‘No one has gone up to heaven
except the one who came down from heaven,
the Son of Man who is in heaven;
and the Son of Man must be lifted up
as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,
so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.
Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost
but may have eternal life.
For God sent his Son into the world
not to condemn the world,
but so that through him the world might be saved.’
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