The Gospel of John 12:31-36a
Jesus said, “Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”
Collect for Holy Cross Day
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Jesus’ crucifixion is portrayed as a moment of judgment for the world and the defeat of evil. By being “lifted up,” Jesus not only signifies His physical elevation on the cross but also His exaltation and victory over sin and death. Whatever we think of the world’s problems, whatever we may think of the failings and sins of people, on this feast we must lift up any tear-stained faces and open our anguished hearts to the Cross that is transformed from an object of pain to become OUR symbol, our emblem of glory and hope. and it is bold to claim that the cross of Christ is our hope. Today, as we face uncertainty of political upheaval and wars throughout the world, we must turn to the Cross as our invincible trophy. We cannot or should not wield a cross as a weapon of destruction, but a symbol of salvation and of God’s inexhaustible love for humanity. As we contemplate the Cross, we should focus our attention on Christ’s loving words as He was being crucified, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). When we reflect on our lives and our need for forgiveness, Christ’s words can become our supplication. In the Resurrection, the Cross becomes the powerful sign of our forgiveness and our new life in Christ. Because of this power, we kneel before the Cross, being a sign of Our Lord and King and Savior Jesus Christ. You never let me bear my crosses alone. You are always alongside me, carrying the cross with me. Teach me to help my neighbors bear their burdens. You told us that there is more joy in giving than receiving. Teach me to be a giver, a self-forgetter, an authentic lover – a true Christian.
Holy Cross Day invites us to contemplate the depth of Jesus’ love and the significance of His sacrifice. It encourages us to embrace the light of Christ in our lives and to share His message of hope and redemption with others.
Let us Pray:
Lord Jesus, through Your suffering on the cross, You showed us the path of true love and sacrifice. Grant me the strength to endure my own trials and to always seek Your guidance in times of need. Be my true light and ward off all that is evil. Protect me from dangers and grant me everlasting life. Fill my soul with good thoughts and guide me in Your ways. Amen.”
Reflections by Bob 