14/09/15
Today's Feast:
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Today we celebrate our gratitude and love for Jesus through our respect for his cross. The cross was once the greatest symbol of shame. Death by crucifixion was reserved for the lowest of criminals. Jesus took on the suffering of the cross in order to obtain our salvation. With that suffering came shame. By his death on the cross, Jesus has made it a symbol of eternal life and glory. The cross has become the most sacred Christian symbol. When the cross has the image of the suffering Christ on it, it is called a crucifix. The crucifix on our bedroom wall and the crucifix or cross we wear around our neck are reminders for us that Jesus paid a price for our salvation. For centuries, relics of the true cross have been cherished by devout Christians. It is believed that Emperor Heraclius recovered pieces of wood from the cross of Jesus in 629. He and his group of pilgrims honored the relics and invited all the people in the area to join them. Even before that time, Christians honored and loved the symbol of the cross. The word “cross” can also mean the sufferings that come our way. When we accept them lovingly and with patience, as Jesus did his cross, we become “cross-bearers” like Jesus.
Let’s consider what the symbol of the cross means to us Christians. We might like to say the following short prayer today: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Today's Feast:
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Today we celebrate our gratitude and love for Jesus through our respect for his cross. The cross was once the greatest symbol of shame. Death by crucifixion was reserved for the lowest of criminals. Jesus took on the suffering of the cross in order to obtain our salvation. With that suffering came shame. By his death on the cross, Jesus has made it a symbol of eternal life and glory. The cross has become the most sacred Christian symbol. When the cross has the image of the suffering Christ on it, it is called a crucifix. The crucifix on our bedroom wall and the crucifix or cross we wear around our neck are reminders for us that Jesus paid a price for our salvation. For centuries, relics of the true cross have been cherished by devout Christians. It is believed that Emperor Heraclius recovered pieces of wood from the cross of Jesus in 629. He and his group of pilgrims honored the relics and invited all the people in the area to join them. Even before that time, Christians honored and loved the symbol of the cross. The word “cross” can also mean the sufferings that come our way. When we accept them lovingly and with patience, as Jesus did his cross, we become “cross-bearers” like Jesus.
Let’s consider what the symbol of the cross means to us Christians. We might like to say the following short prayer today: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
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