A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 3:13-17 Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. 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 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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
REFLECTION: 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.”
Today we celebrate the Cross itself, the instrument of salvation, the Cross on which Jesus was crucified and conquered death.
In 320 St Helena, mother of Constantine of the Roman Empire, discovered the true Cross where Jesus died under the temple of Venus in Jerusalem. In 335, a basilica was built on Calvary by Constantine, marking the site of the Crucifixion. The original church was destroyed by the Persians in 614. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher was built over that site by the Crusaders in 1149.
This feast celebrates our Lord's Salvific death and His Resurrection. In conquering death, Jesus opened the doors to Heaven.
The Shepherds, chosen by God to lead their flock to Christ, are our priests, bishops, cardinals and the Pope. We pray for their sanctity and their continued commitment to the Kingdom of God.
And what can we do?
Pray, Repent and Atone for all the injustices suffered by Jesus by us.
Support our priests who speak up in their sermons about the value of life, and who refuse to keep their heads buried in the sand.
Do not be afraid to write letters to their bishops in support of the defense of our religious liberties.
Remember: Jesus spoke up. John the Baptist spoke up, St Paul, St John Fisher, St John Borromeo, St Ambrose and the many saints spoke up.
It is our duty to speak up in defense of the Cross.
Kneel for no one except God on the Cross..
God Bless You
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