MASS READINGS:

A Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians 2:6-11

Brothers and sisters: Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

REFLECTION:

“Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Which one do you prefer to meditate on, crucifix or cross? I know of a person who removed the dead figurine of Jesus from a crucifix, which turned it into a cross. That person felt better about thinking of the risen Jesus, not the crucified Jesus. That individual was focusing on the salvation of humankind, not the loving sacrifice filled with obedience and humility.

Yes, it is true Jesus paid the price for our sins, but we all have to imitate our Savior to become one with Him. We should follow Jesus and carry our cross, exercising obedience and humility. Our crosses hold salvific power when we carry it in the loving way Jesus did. When praying, especially the Way of the Cross or the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, we can look deeply at the suffering of our Lord. We can learn about the amazing love God has for each of us.

Today, we are celebrating the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Let us spend some time contemplating the Cross and reverencing the power of the crucifix, giving praise and glory to God the Father. As we bend our knee and say the name above all names, may we exalt his Holy Cross.