September 14, Exaltation of Holy Cross

Do not forget the works of the Lord!--Psalm 78:(see 7)

Mass readings: Numbers 21:4-9 / Philippians 2:6-11 / John 3:13-17

Suffering and Love

Exaltation: noun. Synonyms: blessing, delight, glory, honor, joy, praise. Antonyms: abasement, belittlement, degradation, humiliation, sorrow.

Today we celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. At first glance, it's a puzzling paradox: we honor and find joy . . . in the cross? In the instrument of torture, where nails fastened Our Lord's hands and feet and He hung for three hours in bitter agony? Every antonym of exaltation can be applied to that execution. It was the most terrible event in the history of the world. But it was also the most perfect act of love. Jesus chose to accept the cross. For us. In doing so, He mysteriously linked suffering with love and joy for all eternity. I exalt the cross today, not because it was the way Jesus suffered, but because it was the way He saved me.

Prayer: My Jesus, I love You. Thank You for the cross.