Homily/Sermon - Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (14 September)

✝️ Introduction

Today the Church pauses to celebrate not simply a symbol, but the very mystery of our salvation—the Holy Cross. What was once an instrument of shame, torture, and death has been transformed into the sign of victory, love, and eternal life. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross invites us to lift high the Cross, not as a decoration, but as the heart of our Christian faith.


📖 The Word of God

Numbers 21:4-9 – The Israelites, bitten by serpents in the desert, are healed when they gaze upon the bronze serpent lifted up by Moses. This foreshadows Christ lifted on the Cross, through whom humanity finds healing from the sting of sin and death.

  1. Psalm 78 – A cry of repentance and trust: “Do not forget the works of the Lord.” We are reminded to remember God’s saving deeds, even when we feel lost or abandoned.

  2. Philippians 2:6-11 – The hymn of Christ’s humility. Jesus “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant… even to death on a cross. Therefore God highly exalted Him.” The Cross is not defeat but the path to glory.

  3. John 3:13-17 – “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” The Cross is the ultimate revelation of God’s love: not condemnation, but salvation.

🔗 Connection of the Readings

  • The bronze serpent in the desert,

  • the self-emptying obedience of Christ, and

  • the lifting up of Jesus in John’s Gospel
    all converge to show that salvation comes when we look upon the Crucified Lord with faith.

The Cross is paradox: humiliation becomes exaltation, death brings life, suffering is transformed into victory.

🙇 Reflection Questions

  1. When I look at the Cross, do I see only suffering, or do I also see God’s transforming love?

  2. In my own trials, am I willing to “look up” to Christ instead of only looking at myself?

  3. Do I embrace the Cross as a path of discipleship, or do I resist it?

🌍 Implications for Daily Living

  • In the Jubilee Year & Synod on Synodality: the Cross calls us to humility, sacrifice, and solidarity with one another. The path of synodality—listening, carrying each other’s burdens—is a participation in Christ’s way of the Cross.

  • The Cross reminds us that unity and renewal in the Church come not from power, but from love and self-giving service.

  • In personal life, the Cross teaches patience, forgiveness, and courage when faced with trials.

✨ Inspiration / Motivation

St. John Paul II once said:
“Do not be afraid to embrace the Cross! On it hangs Christ’s victory!”

The Cross is not a burden to crush us, but a ladder to heaven.

📝 Final Thoughts

Today, as we “exalt” the Cross, we are not glorifying suffering for its own sake. We are glorifying the immense love of God who chose to save us through it. Whenever life feels heavy, we can remember: “By His Cross, we have been set free.”

🙏 Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
You turned the wood of the Cross into the tree of life.
Help me to embrace my own crosses with courage and faith.
When I am tempted to despair, lift my eyes to You,
so that I may find strength, healing, and salvation.
Make me a witness of Your love,
so that in my words and actions,
I may help lift others who are bowed down.
For by Your Cross and Resurrection,
You have set us free.
Amen. 

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