DAILY HOMILIES #Crucifix

It was on the Cross that Jesus broke the bond that the devil held over humanity. This is precisely what Jesus meant when He said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself.” (John 12:32). It was on the cross that Jesus “finished” the devil and accomplished His mission. Far from being an object of pain, shame and ridicule, the Cross has become a powerful weapon against the devil – a reminder of how Christ, the stronger man, overpowered the devil and took away his spoils. (cf. Luke 11:21-22).

We celebrate the Cross of Jesus Christ today and the various crosses we bear as Christians. In the Beatitudes, Jesus told us to “rejoice and be glad” when we are persecuted, insulted, excluded, oppressed or denied our rights for His Sake. This is what we are doing today – rejoicing in our sufferings, knowing that for every pain we endure, a crown awaits us in heaven.

Just as the people looked up at the serpent for healing, so also we look up at the Cross of Jesus for healing.