September 14, Exaltation of the 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

Krizevac, the Hill of the Cross

The most impressive cross I've seen is atop Krizevac, a rocky hill in Bosnia-Herzegovina, near the village of Medjugorje. The 33-foot, 15-ton cement cross was built many years before the reported apparitions of Our Lady began there in 1981. In 1933, as the Church was preparing to mark the 1900th anniversary of Christ's death, Pope Pius XI wanted a cross on the highest hill in Communist-controlled Hercegovina. The villagers, very poor but determined Catholics, hauled building materials up the hill on their backs. The cross was finished in six weeks.

The climb up Krizevac is still difficult, but the 360-degree panorama of this region where the cross is so clearly exalted is magnificent. Tradition says that on this date in 326, St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered the true cross in Jerusalem.

Prayer: Jesus, we honor Your cross on which You were humbled and ''obedient to death.''