John 3: 13-17
No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever 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 may not perish but may have eternal life.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Lift High the Cross
Moses had a lot to deal with. The people he delivered from Pharaoh were disgusted with the desert food, then God sent snakes, so they were dying. They were only saved by looking upon the staff Moses held up, displaying a serpent. It is this example Jesus draws upon when he tells Nicodemus that the Son of Man must be lifted up to save all of us.
Since the time of Jesus, the cross has been transformed from a symbol of torture and oppression, to one of redemption and joy. It opens and closes every Mass we attend, it is central in all our worship spaces, and many of us have several in our homes. It is our very identity. We proudly declare Christ’s victory over sin and death by reclaiming this image from its brutally violent original purpose.
“Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, till all the world adore his sacred name,” the hymn sings. Today we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. How can we lift high the cross in our daily actions? How can we proclaim the love of Christ without the physical presence of the cross? How are others aware that we are followers of Jesus? We lift the cross and proclaim the love of Christ when we love our neighbors, forgive others, are attentive to those on the margins, and show generosity towards the poor. May those who see us following the example of Jesus feel His love.
—Patrice Critchley-Menor has been involved in Catholic social justice ministries for many years. She writes on living Catholic social teaching at Catholic in the 218. She and her husband, Dan have five adult children and live in Duluth, Minnesota.
Prayer
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore his sacred name.
Come, Christians, follow where our Captain trod,
Our King victorious, Christ the Son of God.
Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conq'ring ranks combine.
This is the sign that Satan's legions fear,
And angels veil their faces to revere.
Saved by this cross whereon their Lord was slain,
The heirs of Adam their lost home regain.
From north and south, from east and west they raise
In growing unison their song of praise.
—Text to “Lift High the Cross” by G. W. Kitchin