Quick recap:
1st Reading - The people of Israel were saved when the looked at the bronze serpent mounted on a pole.
Psalm 78 - Do not forget the works of the Lord!
Epistle - Phil 2 - Jesus emptied himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross
Gospel - John 3 - Salvation through Jesus because of God's love for us.
This is an exciting day - this feast day falls on a Sunday! Great! So, what's the big deal? Well, there's a lot of interesting things to keep in mind. I'm not a scholar, but here's what I've picked up:
1 - Historically, September 14, 320 is the date when the empress Helena (Constantine's mother) reportedly found the true cross (Living Liturgy 2014). That's exciting stuff.
2 - While Good Friday is the more well-known feast of the cross, both days can and should remind us of the life-giving qualities of the cross.
The cross is an interesting thing to contemplate. A casual observer might call it an instrument of torture and death. A person might use it as a decoration while missing the deeper meaning. But a Catholic should recognize it as life. I know, it seems in-congruent, that the Cross on which Jesus suffered and died should represent life.
Yet, consider the foreshadowing we have in the Old Testament (fascinating stuff). In today's first reading, the Israelites recover when they look at a bronze serpent mounted on a pole. They are given new life. Ultimately, we are called to obedience, like Jesus. It is through our obedience to God, especially during suffering and pain, that we unite with Christ.
Prayer - Lord, life is not easy, and I struggle every day with sorrow, suffering, and pain. Help me to unite my cross with the Cross of Christ, that I may not only lighten my burden, but also share in the glory of the cross.
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