The Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Feast

 Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 77(78):1-2,34-38
Philippians 2:6-11
John 3:13-17

THE SAVING CROSS

As we celebrate the exaltation of the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ, our savior, we must also acknowledge our own personal crosses. Each of us carries a unique cross that adds challenges to our lives.

Today’s gospel concludes with an electrifying truth: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” Let’s dive into the powerful human emotions woven into the words ‘condemn’ and ‘save.’

Imagine the heavy burden of being ‘condemned.’ This isn’t just a legal term; it’s the intense feeling of being judged, ostracized, or forever marked by our mistakes. It’s that sinking sensation of being cast out, as if our potential for goodness has been snuffed out, and staring down the barrel of consequences that feel irreversible. We all dread being defined solely by our stumbles, labeled and excluded from hope, trapped in a future seemingly dictated by our past errors.

Now, let’s flip the script and consider the vibrant energy of ‘save.’ To be saved is the heart and soul of human connection and restoration! It’s that remarkable friend who swoops in and pulls us back from the edge, the community that opens its arms for a fresh start, the transformative process of being truly understood and uplifted. It’s about shaking off the chains of our past and seizing the chance to rebuild, to mend what’s broken, and to forge a path toward wholeness and well-being. It’s an experience of deep care, protection, and the exhilarating opportunity to evolve into a better version of ourselves.

The bridge connecting these two profound experiences is our innate ability to both inflict harm and cultivate healing, through our actions or inactions. We all trip up now and then, making choices rooted in fear, ignorance, or selfishness, sending ripples of negativity into our lives and those around us. These moments when we don’t measure up to our best selves—whether in thought, speech, action, or even in our silence—can breed a sense of internal fracture, disconnecting us from our inherent goodness and from one another.

So, here’s the burning question: how do we navigate those tricky moments when we falter? Can we rise above the negative fallout of our actions? Is there a route to personal repair, to restoring our self-worth, and reintegrating into a life of positive contribution and connection with the vibrant world around us? Are these the very things we long to remember to bring to Jesus in our prayers? Are we aligning ourselves with the exhilarating path of salvation as we move forward?

This journey is about consciously choosing to live with immense kindness, awareness, and integrity. It’s about extracting wisdom from our mistakes, grasping their impact, and actively working to ensure they don’t happen again. It’s about making intentional choices that uplift not just ourselves but everyone we encounter. It’s about aiming to be the best version of ourselves—not out of fear of being judged—but from a passionate desire to contribute positively to God’s kingdom and foster a world bursting with healing and growth.

Sometimes we may wonder: Why does it seem that the closer I draw to Jesus, the heavier my cross becomes? But here’s the truth: the cross we bear is a profound test of our faith. We couldn’t truly comprehend the power of Jesus’ presence in our lives without quietly enduring and carrying our own burdens. What matters is that as we shoulder our crosses, we invite Jesus to walk alongside us, sharing in our struggles. Let’s not fall into the trap of complaining like the Israelites or questioning why our cross exists. Remember, the weight of our burdens pales in comparison to the magnificent sacrifice of Jesus!

Fr Joseph Osho