Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
Numbers 21:4–9; Psalm 75; Philippians 2:6–11; John 3:13–17
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a feast that points us back to the very heart of our salvation. Historically, it recalls three key events: 1. The discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena in 320 under the temple of Venus in Jerusalem. 2. The dedication in 335 of the Basilica on Calvary by Emperor Constantine, marking the site of the Crucifixion. 3. Above all, the Church commemorates the death and resurrection of Christ, where the Cross became the throne of victory.
The Paradox of the Cross: The Cross is the great contradiction of history. It speaks of death but ushers in eternal life. It reflects hatred but proclaims unconditional love. It was once a symbol of violence, now it is the emblem of peace. Once an instrument of shame, now it is a crown of glory. On the Cross, false accusation meets forgiveness, sin meets purity, brokenness meets wholeness, destruction meets restoration, and defeat is swallowed up in eternal victory. Beloved, in the Crucifix, the Father tells us everything. The Cross is the loudest sermon God ever preached, and it still echoes through every generation: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son…” (John 3:16).
The Cross is Not Decoration but Transformation: Too many Christians today reduce the Cross to jewelry, wall décor, or mere religious symbol. But the Cross is not meant to hang around your neck—it is meant to transform your life. Jesus did not say, “Admire the Cross,” but “Take up your cross and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). The Cross must move from an ornament to an experience of daily surrender.
The Cross is the Cure for Our Venom: In the first reading (Numbers 21:4–9), Israel looked at the bronze serpent and lived. Humanity is poisoned by sin’s venom, but the cure is to look at Christ lifted up on the Cross. The Cross is God’s antidote to sin, bitterness, and despair. Every time you kneel before it, you are saying, “Lord, cure me, heal me, restore me!”
A Call to Remember: Psalm 75 reminds us: “Never forget the deeds of the Lord.” Sadly, many Christians today have forgotten the Cross. We exalt comfort but despise sacrifice, we embrace prosperity but reject suffering. Yet the Cross is the only ladder that reaches heaven.
Beloved, without the Cross, there is no crown. Without Good Friday, there is no Easter Sunday. Without sacrifice, there is no salvation. Let us exalt the Holy Cross not just with our lips, but with our lives. Let us live daily as witnesses of its power, its paradox, and its promise.
The Cross is not just history—it is our destiny. Cling to it, carry it, and it will carry you to eternal glory.
