Today we observe the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Two distinct events are rolled into this special day, to make today significant for Catholics and Christians alike. Tradition says that Roman Emperor Constantine’s mother, St. Helena, discovered the true cross in Jerusalem on this date in 326. It was taken away in an invasion, but in 628, Byzantine Emperor Heraclius took the cross back from the Persians. The cross was returned to Jerusalem, and that brought on a huge celebration. So why such the big deal about the one true cross, on which Jesus was crucified?
Central Symbol
The short answer to my question, is that the cross is important, even central, to our Catholic/Christian faith. This Roman torture device, used for the cruelest of all executions, has been turned into a sign of redemption for billions of people throughout the ages. The simple cross symbolizes Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and for his victory over sin and death.
Most Popular Verse
In conjunction with the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, today’s Gospel from John includes perhaps the most well-known verse of the Bible. John 3:16 states,” for God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” Note that it says everyone, not just some people who believe. That cross offers hope to all, not some of us.
I was watching some football highlights on Sunday evening, and there were scenes of the crowds in the football stadiums. A popular place to hold signs is behind the end zones, behind the goal posts, so that when kicks are put through the uprights (or not), that area of the stadium gets full visibility to the viewing audience. Lo and behold, someone held up a sign with John 3:16 written on it. Simple, to the point, for the world to see. The curious could look it up to see what it meant, the well versed knew its meaning right away, but millions of people were exposed to it, and who knows what effect it might have.
If you are ready for a song to be stuck in your head today try… “Lift High the Cross” …
