The Leave-taking of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross; Holy Apostle Codratus of Magnesia (249-52)
Read
1 Corinthians 1:26-29; GOSPEL – John 8:21-30
There are some in the world today who believe that Jesus Christ was a man who taught us many things in order to live a good, moral, and happy life. They consider Jesus to be one of many good moral teachers throughout history who point to God, to the divine. However, Jesus was different than all these other teachers. He was the only one to make the claim that He is God, and then showed everyone that His claim is indeed true!
Today’s Gospel reveals to us part of the discussion that Jesus had with those who questioned His authority to teach. He makes it clear that He is from above, that is, He is uncreated (there was no time when He was not – God), and that we are from below, that is, we are created (there was a time when we were not – created by God). Further, Jesus explains that while they do not understand at the present moment the fulness about which He is talking, it will all be made clear when He is “lifted up” (on the Cross). We recall the words of the centurion standing at the foot of the Cross just after our Lord gave up His spirit – “Truly, this was the Son of God” (Mt 27:54).
Are there times when I doubt that Jesus is really who He says He is? What am I to do? Look to the Cross and Resurrection of our Lord! Read His holy Word! Recall His words to His disciples, to all those who belong to His Church – just as the Father is with Jesus, so is Jesus with us – He has not left us! We are not alone. When we dare sit at the foot of the Cross in the light of the Resurrection, we, too, like the centurion, will be able to say with heartfelt conviction – truly, this is the Son of God.