The Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Feast
Readings: Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, and John 3:13-17:
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Cross through the lens of Scripture. In Numbers 21:4–9, the bronze serpent lifted by Moses in the desert becomes a symbol of healing—a foreshadowing of Christ who, lifted up on the Cross, brings healing to our sin-wounded hearts. When we gaze upon the Cross with faith, we discover that even our deepest wounds can become places where God pours out new life. Philippians 2:6–11 reveals the depth of Christ’s humility: though He was God, He chose to empty Himself, taking on human nature and accepting death on a Cross. In this supreme act of humble love, we learn what true love is—self-giving, merciful, and without pride. Finally, in John 3:13–17, Jesus declares that He was lifted up so that all who believe in Him may have eternal life. The Cross, far from being a sign of defeat, becomes the doorway to everlasting hope. In carrying our own crosses with trust, we walk the path that leads not to despair, but to the joy of resurrection and eternal communion with God. Let’s reflect: What does the Cross reveal to me about the way I love, the wounds I carry, and the hope I place in God’s promise of eternal life?
Don Giorgio