14 September, 2023 | Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

 Gospel Jn 3:13-17

How to live the Cross

Gospel Text:

Jesus said to Nicodemus:

"No one has gone up to heaven

except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man.

And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,

so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

so that everyone who 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 might not perish

but might have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but that the world might be saved through him.

Reflections:

Today's feast invites us to contemplate the significance of the cross and the sacrificial love of Jesus, who selflessly gave his life to redeem humanity from sin. The Cross stands as a symbol of Christ's profound humility and unwavering obedience to God's will, even when it meant enduring a humiliating and agonizing death. Jesus, throughout his life, showed God's love in every word and action, but it was on the cross that he demonstrated the full extent of that love. The crucifix serves as a powerful reminder that we are forgiven sinners, and as such, we are called to extend forgiveness to those who wrong us and we are encouraged to seek forgiveness when we hurt others or cause them pain.

Activity: 

Extend compassion and mercy to those around you.