Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Readings:
Numbers 21:4b-9
Phillippians 2:6-11
John 3:13-17
Reflection:
Venerable Fulton J Sheen, In his autobiography titled “Treasure in Clay,” gives a beautiful and heart-rending illustration of the Cross – the Crucifix:
“In the Crown of Thorns, I see my pride, my grasping for earthly toys, in the Pierced Hands, my flight from shepherding care, in the Pierced Feet, my wasted love, in the Wounded Heart, and my prurient desires, in the Flesh hanging from Him like Purple Rags!”
Yes, on the Most Holy Cross, we have the autobiography of all our lives!
On this Great and Blessed Feast of the Exaltation of the Most Holy Cross, we turn our gaze towards the Cross on which our Blessed Lord redeemed us. We are gratefully thanking Him for His Awesome Sacrificial Love and pledge to live a life in expectation of this Great Sacrifice of our Crucified Lord!
Like the people of Israel, our life is a journey through the wilderness. Sometimes, there is a lack of comfort, hardships, and uncertainty, and we begin to complain, grumble and fall into many sinful ways and habits!
St John of the Cross would say, “The road is narrow. He who wishes to travel it more easily must cast off all things and use the Cross as his cane”.
The heart is considered to be the great symbol of Love. But, from a Christian perspective, probably, the Holy Cross is a greater and more meaningful symbol of the Immense Love of God for each one of us.
The Cross demands sacrifice, demands a self-emptying nature, demands a complete commitment, and this is indeed the true nature of Love – sacrificial, self-emptying and committed! (Phil 2: 6-11)
Wish you a very Happy Feast of the Holy Cross.
Sony Marsilin Kannanaikal CP is a Passionist priest, he lives at St.Joseph’s Community, Hobart.