Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

Numb. 21:4-9, Phil. 2:6-11, Jn 3:13-17. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross of Jesus is celebrated today to mark the anniversary of the dedication of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. We also recall the return of the Holy Cross to Jerusalem after it had been taken by the Persians. The Cross was lifted up with Jesus on it and it became the means of Jesus’ being honoured and our being lifted up to glory of God. We glory in that frightening Cross where thieves, slaves and criminals were executed and onto which He was nailed, led like a lamb to the slaughter because this crucified Jesus has become our life-giver. The Cross of Christ now becomes life-giving throne of mercy on which He will forever be honoured.

According to today’s reading, during their Exodus journey through the desert of Sinai there was a plague of fiery serpents, from whose bite many of the people died. Then God Moses made a bronze statue of a serpent and mounted it on a pole. When those who has been bitten looked at it, they recovered. Jesus applies this episode to Himself as recorded in today’s Gospel: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” The sign of the healing serpent is now the conventional sign for Christian doctors, in their efforts to preserve life. The Cross of Christ empowers us to share in the struggle against oppressors of every sort. We can best honour His Cross today if, like Him, we stand up for those in our times who are unjustly treated and marginalised.

May the Lord be with us as we walk in His way, bearing proudly the crosses of our faith, may we remain resolute and strong in our commitment to Him! Amen!! Have a glorious day!!!