Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 75; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrates three historical events: (1) The discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, in 320 under the temple of Venus in Jerusalem (2.) The dedication in 335 of the basilica and shrine built on Calvary by Constantine, which mark the site of the Crucifixion. (3) The celebration and commemoration of Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection.
Speaking about the Holy Cross, an author writes that the cross is a great contradiction: it reminds us of death and assures of life; it connotes hatred and teaches us love; it reflects violence yet announces peace; a victim of false accusation but expresses forgiveness, sin and purity; brokenness and wholeness; destruction and restoration; defeat and victory.
Beloved, in the Crucifix, the Father tells us everything. It is the greatest sign of Christianity and salvation. Thus, today’s psalm reminds us never to forget the deeds of the Lord. Many people have forgotten about the cross and relegated its exalted place to Christianity. Beloved, “Never forget the deeds of the Lord!” True Christians ought to remain eternally grateful to God for the cross of Jesus.
LET US PRAY
O God, who willed that your Only Begotten Son should undergo the Cross to save the human race, grant, we pray, that we, who have known his mystery on earth, may merit the grace of his redemption in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
