Today’s Feast invites us to look upon the Cross, whether upon a wall, laying upon an altar or desk, or hanging on a chain around someone’s neck, and remember what gives it meaning. For the ancient Romans it was a sign of cruelty and domination, a warning of the punishment for rebelling against the empire. For Christians it is a reminder of the rebellion of sin, just as the bronze serpent was for the Israelites of today’s First Reading, but of a rebellion not quashed through violence and humiliation, but silenced through love. A love of God for man despite his sin that would do anything to facilitate his reconciliation.
Following Christ, as he taught us, is done by taking up our Cross. Whenever we lose our bearings or question the meaning of our suffering we have only to gaze upon the Cross of Christ and we’ll regain our bearings and be able to give meaning to our suffering again, understanding not only what it means for us, but what it can mean for those for whom we offer it.
Let’s fix our gaze upon the Cross today, not only Our Lord’s, but ours, and renew our desire to take it up and follow Christ.
Readings: Numbers 21:4b–9; Philippians 2:6–11; John 3:13–17. See also Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Second Week of Easter,Tuesday.
