EXALTATION THROUGH THE CROSS - 9/14/22 (Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross)

John 3:14-15

“And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091422.cfm

Blessed Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross! This feast commemorates the recovering of the portion of the Holy Cross which was preserved at Jerusalem but fell into the hands of the Persians. This also symbolizes the importance of recovering the true purpose of discipleship, and it is to follow Jesus unto the cross. It is to walk with Him, and to die to ourselves of our sinful desires so that our Crucified Lord may fully dwell within us and act through us. There are at least two things we should remember for us to be exalted by God through the Cross of Jesus Christ. 

First, we should be willing to accept everything that takes place in our lives. Some of us may feel it to be easy, but what if we experience sufferings and trials? Are we willing to bear them and carry these crosses in our lives? Or, will we just complain to God as if God is wrong for allowing us to experience this? We may not verbally complain, but when we are frustrated and when we dwell on our anger due to circumstances that are not in accordance to our own wants or desires, then it's a sign that God is calling us to depend on Him even more. God the Father loves Jesus Christ infinitely. And, out of His love, He gave us His only begotten Son and allowed the greatest evil in the history of mankind, the crucifixion and of our Savior by His own people, for the sake of the greatest good, our salvation and union with God. It's truly difficult when we face challenges in life. But, we have assurance in God that He can bring a greater good out of it. The cross is the greatest symbol of submission to God's will. 

Second, humility is the virtue we need for us to be exalted by God. It is important for us to ponder on the reason why Jesus was crucified. It was because of our sins, the sins of humanity. Our Lord Jesus Christ bore our sins, and despite this, because of His love for us, all He desired was our salvation. As Jesus tells us in the gospel, everyone who believes in Him will be saved. It's not just an intellectual belief. Rather, it's living out the Catholic faith that we will despise all sins, turn away from them, and come to Jesus. The humility of Jesus should inspire us to seek the same path of humility. It begins by acknowledging our weaknesses, sinfulness and brokenness. And, despite the fact that our sins wound His Sacred Heart, He still loves us and pours forth His infinite mercy to us. May we seek the sacraments of the Church because these are the vessels of God's graces. By admitting the times that we are unable to carry our own crosses by our own strength, He will come to our aid and grant us His strength to do His will. Let's adore Christ who redeemed the whole world through the Cross. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Amazing Testimony on Rosary:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=FFyRwJBExMk

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls