The
Holy Cross of Christ is the universal symbol that identifies us as
Christians. In the most recent unrest in the Middle East, a radical
Islamic group even posted a banner saying,
“Those who worship the Cross must know they may not insult Mohammad.”
It is interesting that they
should choose those words “…worship the Cross.” It just shows how
powerfully the instrument of our Lord’s execution has been impressed
upon the world as a symbol of our identity.
Obviously,
they do not understand our devotion to the Cross or our faith. We
certainly do not “Worship the Cross” any more than the Islamists worship
the crescent moon. But we make that sign on our bodies when we pray
and we are constantly reminded of our Lord and Savior who, through this
instrument, suffered, died, and in dying brought us all salvation.
In
the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we remember the recovery by the Church of
relics of the True Cross. Historically, this feast was celebrated in
Rome before the end of the 7th century to commemorate the recovery of
that portion of the Holy Cross, which was preserved at Jerusalem, and
which had fallen into the hands of the Persians. Emperor Heraclius
recovered this precious relic and brought it back to Jerusalem, May 3,
629.
More
important than the relics, however, is what the Cross of Christ means
to each one of us. It recalls the great kenosis – how Jesus emptied
himself and poured out his life for us in a humiliating scene of pubic
derision. It recalls how, even knowing his fate as we hear in John’s
Gospel, the Lord accepted God’s plan and became the healing sacrifice
that saved all of God’s adopted sons and daughters. It recalls that
each day, in the Eucharistic Sacrifice at Holy Mass, his promise of
salvation is reiterated and demonstrated as he offers his Body and Blood
for our sins.
No,
we do not Worship the Cross. But we proudly embrace it, wearing it
with both pride and humility since upon it hung the one whose
“…name is above every name and at whose name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.”
Christian typological exegesis perceives in the bronze serpent an image of the cross itself, which was lifted up in the desert that the Father might draw all things to himself through the death of his Son.
Note to my CIA and SWAT: You are learning Christian typological exegesis at almost every meeting. Isn't that cool?
What's typological? the study of typology
What's typology? (You know this word)
- the study and interpretation of types and symbols, originally (especially) in the Bible. (noun)
What's exegesis?
- critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture. (noun)
A great mini history lesson & commentary here: http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1138
H/T: Deacon Jim Miles
more sources:
http://blogs.nd.edu/oblation/2012/09/14/the-feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-medicine-for-murmuring/
http://blog.adw.org/2014/09/the-wisdom-and-power-of-the-cross-a-homily-for-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross/
1 comment:
Thank you! Have a grand day!
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