The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Num. 21:4-9, Phil. 2:6-11, Jn 3:13-17. How can we glory today in the instrument of the death of Christ? That frightening Cross where thieves and criminals were executed, "the old rugged Cross so despised by the world has become a wondrous attraction for us." It is because the crucified Jesus has become our life-giver in the spirit that His Cross is the life-giving throne of mercy on which He will forever be honoured. With the penitent thief we can pray: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Lk. 23:42). The instrument of His death has become the instrument of God’s mercy to us; and so we proclaim the triumph of new Life, poured out from the Holy Cross.

During the exodus journey of the Israelites through the desert of Sinai, there was a plague of fiery serpents, from whose bite many of the people died. Then God instructed Moses to make a bronze statue of a serpent and mount it on a pole and when those who has been bitten looked at it, they recovered. Jesus applies this episode to Himself 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. From the Cross, Jesus draws us into the love and life of God. Paul was aware of this when he made in the today’s second reading, the famous 'emptying-out' hymn (Phil. 2:6-11). He reminds us to “put on the mind of Christ” which is the mind of love for all.

May the Lord draw us to Himself and bring us into all truth that we may live in His presence! Amen!! Good morning and Happy Feast day!!