Celebrating the Exaltation of the Cross: A Day of Reflection and Renewed Faith
Introduction
Today, we come together to give thanks and praise to our Lord and Savior as we celebrate the Exaltation of the Cross, a symbol of our hope and the instrument of our salvation. This significant feast day reminds us of the profound connection between Christ’s suffering and our redemption.
A Historic Discovery
The origins of the Exaltation of the Cross date back to a remarkable event in 320 AD when St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, unearthed the wood of the True Cross. This discovery serves as a powerful testament to the historicity and reality of our faith. It brings to life the personal nature of our belief, reminding us that Jesus, who is truly God, also embraced His humanity. He endured unimaginable suffering and faced a most horrific death for our sake. At the foot of the Cross, His mother, Mary, shared in His pain, offering profound compassion for Her Beloved Son.
From Passion to Resurrection
The somber reality of Christ’s Passion only amplifies the glory of His Resurrection. While Jesus endured excruciating pain, His sacrifice did not culminate in death and despair but in eternal life, which He lovingly extends to each one of us. Through the grace of the Crucifixion, our sins are forgiven, our souls are sanctified, and we are made holy. As joint heirs with Christ, our suffering can be united with his, becoming meritorious and salvific, not only for ourselves but also for others. St. Paul himself rejoiced in His sufferings for the sake of the Church (Colossians 1:24), illustrating the profound impact of suffering on our spiritual journey. This is one of the reasons why Our Lady of Fatima passionately encourages us to embrace penance.
The Lost Art of Penance
In recent times, penance has unfortunately lost its popularity. Just like the tangible reality of the True Cross, penance can be uncomfortable and painful. However, it is through these very hardships that its power is revealed. Much like the crucifixion itself, penance has the potential to transform lives.
Joining Our Lady and Christ
On this special day, Our Lady invites us to boldly kneel at the foot of the Cross, just as She did. Christ extends an even greater invitation – to join Him on the Cross, to suffer with Him out of love for Him and the salvation of souls. The hearts of our Lord and our Lady overflow with love for us, and we must ask ourselves: Are we ready to have our hearts burn with love for them?
Conclusion
The Exaltation of the Cross is a day of reflection and renewed faith. It is a reminder of the profound connection between Christ’s suffering and our salvation. As we embrace the power of penance and willingly share in Christ’s suffering, our hearts burn with love for God, and we become active participants in the journey toward eternal life and the salvation of souls.
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