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Today we celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. I've often seen little humorous things on the internet talking about how strange it is that we wear necklaces with little crosses on them around our necks. That would be like the equivalent of wearing a guillatine or a noose around our throats. It's kind of strange when you think about it. Crucifixtion has the same root as exruciate which means "to torture." We hold sacred a torture device, which is even more cruel than these other forms of execution!
And yet, read these antiphons which we find in today's Morning prayer:
"To destroy the power of hell Christ died upon the cross; clothes in strength and glory, he triumphed over death."
"The Lord hung upon the cross to wash away our sins in his own blood. How splendid is that blessed cross."
"How radiant is that precious cross which brought us our salvation. In the cross we are victorious, through the cross we shall reign, by the cross all evil is destoryed, alleliua."
"We worship your cross, O Lord, and we praise and glorify your holy resurrection, for the wood of the cross has brought joy to the world."
Jesus's resurrection is the single most important event in human history. Our creation, His incarnation, His life, His death, they all pale in comparison to that glorious resurrection. The reason that we exalt the cross is because it afforded Jesus the suffering it took to save us all. As we say in Lent, "We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world."
I ask you to reflect today on that Holy Cross and the life that it has brought you. Relfect on Jesus and his carrying of and time on the cross. Seek to exalt the crosses in your own life, for by them you will come to unite yourself to the Lord.
-Amanda Benner, Director of Evangelization