The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.
Holy Day of Obligation. Day of Fast.
1 Corinthians 1:18-24. John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35.
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-24
Today we celebrate the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Give Cross, where we remember and celebrate both the finding of the True Cross and it’s return to Jerusalem following its capture by the Persians. At Matins a beautiful service takes place in which the priest blesses the four sides of creation with the Cross, and we beg for the Lord’s mercy as he raises the cross on high.
However, one of the difficulties of seeing the cross so frequently is that we can become “acclimatized” to it and forget it’s there or ignore it. With the pressure of the world to live a life focused on our own desires or pleasures, we might even be tempted to “outsource” the cross, leaving it on the tetrapod to be kissed and venerated but not letting it penetrate into our heart or actions. To follow our crucified Lord is to live a crucified life, a life which continually says to God “not my will, but your will be done.” As we raise the Cross on high today, let us rediscover it in our hearts, actions and choices.