By your holy cross you have redeemed the world

Num 21:5-9, Ps 78, Phil 2:6-11, Jn 3:13-17

When we look at the Holy Cross, what comes to our mind? When we make the sign of the cross, what exactly are we professing? When we see a crucifix in an establishment, a chapel, a city Hall, a clinic, in the park, in the plaza etc. What strikes us? Even though now in many parts of the world, there is an anti-cross movement that wants to remove all the crucifixes from the public space. When you see someone make the sign of the cross before a meal, or before beginning classes or work for day, when you see someone bow, genuflect or make reverence to the Holy Cross of Christ, what message is communicated to us?

But how can we glory today in the instrument of Christ’s death, that frightening cross where thieves, slaves and criminals were executed and onto which He was nailed, led like a lamb to the slaughter? It is because this crucified Jesus has become our life-giver in the spirit. It is because his Cross is the life-giving throne of mercy on which he will forever be honoured.

The Holy Cross is the most important symbol of the Christian faith. The Holy Cross is the summary of our Faith. The Holy Cross is the symbol of God’s love to humanity. The Holy Cross is the Christian Identity. Take away the Holy Cross and then Christianity has no message to communicate to the world. Yes, in the cross is our salvation… in cruce salus.

When I look at the Holy Cross, it reminds me of Salvation and God’s mercy. Today in the Gospel we read of the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus explains to him the meaning of salvation and eternal life. What strikes me in Jesus’ response is this: “God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world may be saved through him.” There are so many people who hate God and religion not for anything just because they do not want to be judged or condemned by its values. They feel that everything about faith, righteousness and salvation is all about condemnation of sinners. No, that is not what the Cross of Christ represents. The Cross of Christ is rather an invitation to repentance in order to gain eternal life.

At Golgotha (Calvary), according to the Gospel narratives, Jesus was crucified in the midst of two criminals one at his right and the other to his left. One criminal recognized and acknowledged Christ crucified on the Cross and pleaded for mercy. The thief said: “Remember me, when you come into your kingdom” (Lk 23:42). And Jesus replied immediately: “Today, you will be with me in paradise” (Lk 23:43).

While many others reject the cross, or do not want to be identified with it; while so many behold the cross as a thing of shame and scandal; while so many mock Christ crucified on the cross like that other thief: “He saved others, he could not save himself.” While so many people of our age are ashamed of the cross; others ignore the cross; others spit at it; others make ridicule of it; so many advocates that the cross be removed from the public space or be annihilated; here we are on this 14th day of September celebrating the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. And in the words of the Apostle Paul, while so many see in the Cross “folly, scandal and weakness” for us who believe, the cross of Christ indicates the power and wisdom of God. (1Cor 1:22-25). May we not be ashamed of that cross and that event that gave us salvation in Christ Jesus.

Dear friends in Christ, the cross is something wonderfully great and honorable. It is great because through it many noble acts of Christ found their consummation. The cross is honorable because it is both the sign of God’s suffering and the trophy of his victory. It stands for his suffering because on it he freely suffered unto death. But it is also his trophy because it was the means by which the devil was wounded and death conquered; the barred gates of hell were smashed, and the cross became the one common salvation of the whole world. The cross represents the triumph of humility over pride, the triumph of love over hatred. This is what the Apostle Paul reminds us in today’s second reading.

God so loved the world that he sent his beloved son into the world, so that whoever believes in him have eternal life. So, when we look at the Cross of Christ, when we contemplate the Crucified Christ, when we behold the Holy Cross, we behold that singular event and person that gave life to the world. Christ already assured us that “When I am lifted up (that is, when I am crucified), I will draw all men to myself.”

As we exult the Cross of Christ today, let us remember to be brave defenders, promoters of the message of the cross: Mercy, Pardon, humility and Salvation. We remember today, all those whose daily crosses are too heavy for them to carry; those who struggle every day against oppressors of every sort: Today’s feast reminds us that, you and I must stand up for those who are unjustly treated and marginalized in our society.

We adore you, O Christ and we praise you, for by your holy cross you redeemed the world and especially me a poor sinner.