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.”
Let us Pray The 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.
On this day, we affirm that we are people of the Cross. We sing, “Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, ’til all the world adore His sacred name.” The Cross is a fundamental aspect of our faith. Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection transformed the cross from a symbol of pain to one of hope. Holy Cross Day stands at the heart of Christian faith: a feast not of sorrow, but of victory, revelation, and the transforming power of Christ’s self‑giving love. Here in the middle of Pentecost (Ordinary Time), we are reminded of the power and true meaning of the Cross Though the cross can seem commonplace in our churches and our homes, we can easily take for granted what it really means to us. For many, a cross may appear as two pieces of wood. However, when faith is infused into this seemingly simple item, it takes on a transformative value. During Lent, we are reminded that Jesus died on a cross. After Jesus’ resurrection, we embrace the cross as a sign of salvation and hope for all people, a symbol that transforms our lives and fills us with hope.
And as a Reflection on the Gospel of John 12:31-36a 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. “Walk while you have the light.” Jesus declares that His impending death is not defeat but cosmic victory: the world is being judged, evil is being dethroned, and a new way of belonging to God is opening. The question becomes deeply personal: Will you walk in the Light while it is offered?
Let us Pray: O Christ our King, who lifted high the holy Cross to draw all creation into your redeeming love, grant that we who glory in your Cross may bear it with courage, follow you with faithfulness, and find in its shadow the healing of our wounds and the hope of everlasting life. For you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 