The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross Feast of our Lord.
Holy Day of Obligation. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
1 Corinthians 1:18-24; John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-24
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
“Brethren, the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Brothers and sisters, have you ever seen the bumper sticker which uses various religious symbols to spell COEXIST? It was designed back in 2000 and entered into an international art competition. It was designed to represent tolerance between religions, using various religious symbols as letters, which includes the Christian cross as the t.
To us who are followers of Christ, the cross is no mere symbol. The cross is so much more than just a symbol. Read through any of the stichera of Vespers and reflect on how eloquently the cross is described to the faithful worshipper. Consider this, the first sticheron of the Aposticha:
“Joy to you, life-bearing Cross of the Lord,* invincible triumph of the true faith* You are the gate to Paradise,* the strength of the faithful, and the stronghold of the Church.* Because of you, corruption no longer has meaning nor power.* By you we have been lifted up from earth to heaven.* You are an invincible weapon against evil,* a glory indeed for saints and martyrs,* and a haven for salvation.* You are the source of mercy to the world.”
Today we celebrate this Great Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross. I invite you to go to Church for the Divine Liturgy today and personally venerate the Cross placed in the midst of the Church. Spend some time quietly contemplating the Mystery of the Cross and what Christ accomplished on it. Ask the Lord for the strength to carry your own cross as you follow Christ each day.