(This homily is written for the prison ministry. There is a homily for the parishes that also includes an explanation of the theme of catechetical Sunday.)
Today’s feast of the exaltation of the holy cross was first observed in Rome in the 7th century. Today’s feast commemorates the recovery of the Holy Cross, which had been placed on Mt. Calvary by St. Helena and preserved in Jerusalem. However, it then had fell into the hands of the King of the Persians in the early 7th century. The cross was recovered and returned to Jerusalem by the Byzantine Emperor Heralius in 629.
Tradition passes down that Heraclius carried the cross back to Jerusalem on his shoulders, wearing extravagant garments with ornaments of precious stones. But, at the entrance to Mt. Calvary a strange incident occurred. No matter how hard he tried, the Emperor could not move forward. Bishop Zacharias of Jerusalem told him: "Consider, that with these triumphal ornaments you are wearing, you are far from resembling Jesus carrying his cross." The Emperor then put on a penitential garment and was able to continue his journey.
In the Roman empire, the cross represented the worst possible way a criminal could be put to death. It was a violent, painful, disrespectful death. However, our mass commemorating the exaltation of the holy cross is a triumphant liturgy. When Moses lifted up the bronze serpent over the people in the desert on their journey to the promised land, it foreshadowed the cross and the salvation we would receive through Christ’s death and resurrection. The message of our faith is that we must take up our own crosses in order to follow Jesus, our Lord and Savior. We identify with Christ on the cross, sharing in his cross. Jesus carried his cross in obedience and servanthood. We are called to carry our crosses with the same obedience and servanthood.
For Catholics, the cross is an important symbol of faith. When we are baptized, we are sealed with the cross as our original sins are taken away, as we die with Christ in the waters of baptism and as we receive new life in him. We make the sign of the cross as we begin and end our prayers, consecrating ourselves to God. We make the sign of the cross at the beginning of mass to begin our celebration in the name of our Lord.
Pope Benedict XVI once stated, being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or following a lofty idea, but rather it centers upon an encounter with Christ. Our Gospel states that God so loved the world that he gave us his only begotten son. God wants to enter into a relationship of love with us. This love is offered through Christ, his son, lifted high on the cross.
We cannot remain neutral regarding the cross of Jesus. We cannot be neutral or complacent in the way we live out our faith. Either we are with Jesus or we are against Jesus. Either we accept our crosses in faith or we deny our crosses. A choice is made before every action, for the actions of a Christian are none other than the testimony of how God has love us so much that he gave His only Son, Jesus.
During our trials and sufferings, the cross is there to give us strength, protection, and hope. O cross of Christ, you are the glorious sign of victory. Through the power of the cross, may we all share in the triumph of Christ Jesus.
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