Readings: Numbers 21:4-9, Ps. 78:1-2,34-38, John 3:13-17
“As Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15)
Last Sunday, we heard Jesus say, “Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27) Coincidentally, today, we are celebrating the Feast of the Exultation of the Cross. What is so special about the cross? Why are we celebrating the Cross of Jesus Christ? Why must we remind ourselves again and again of the pain and agony of Jesus for our salvation? These are some of the questions we shall be reflecting upon today.
1. We Celebrate the Cross Because on It, Christ Gained Victory Over the Devil
Some once asked me, “Suppose a close friend of yours was attacked by a gang of armed robbers who shot and killed your friend with a gun and upon hearing the sound of Police sirens, dropped the gun and ran off, would you like to see that gun again?” I answered in all honesty: “No.” He said, “Then why are you hanging the cross everywhere?”
For an unbeliever, it makes no sense to hang up (exalt) the instrument on which Christ died, but when we consider the fact that it was upon that same Cross that Jesus paid the price of our salvation, the Cross takes on a whole new meaning. Instead of being ashamed of the Cross, it has now become our “receipt” of payment. When the devil attempts to claim us, we show him the cross and say, “Look here, my soul has been paid for in full.”
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).
This is the reason why the devil cannot stand the sight of the Cross. Do you know that demons tremble and flee when you show them the Cross? A priest once told the story of how a woman visited a witch doctor for a solution to her problem, but the moment she stepped into the shrine, the witch doctor asked, “What is that thing you are wearing on your neck?” She said, “A crucifix”, and he said to her, “Remove it! You cannot enter here with such fire.” For the first time, the woman realised the power in the Crucifix; it dawned on her that she was holding millions in her hand, yet stooping low to beg for crumbs. She walked away and never returned to that witch doctor.
2. We Celebrate the Cross Because Christ Was Never Ashamed of It
Another reason we celebrate the Cross is that during His life on earth, Jesus also celebrated the Cross. Three times, Jesus announced to His disciples that He would die but that His death would eventually lead to a glorious resurrection. (Matthew 16:21-23, Matthew 17:22-23 & Matthew 20:17-19). Note: These passages also have parallels in Mark and Luke. If Jesus proudly proclaimed the Cross, why should we be ashamed of it? Brothers and Sisters, stop hiding your cross; bring it out and let the world know who you belong to.
Do you know what Jesus was not ashamed of the Cross? He knew its hidden potential. While the Jews thought it was all over for Jesus on Good Friday, they never knew that Jesus had a plan; while they rained insults and spat on Him, they never knew they were helping to fulfil the scriptures concerning Jesus. The devil knew this plan; hence, he did everything possible to discourage Jesus from the Cross.
From the very beginning of Jesus’s ministry, the devil attempted to offer alternatives to the Cross through the temptations. When Jesus resisted, the devil tried to come through Peter moments after Jesus appointed him head of the Church. Peter was shocked when Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:23). If you think you can get to heaven through an “easy” way (a cross-less Christianity), you are clearly mistaken.
3. We Celebrate the Cross Because it Brings Us Healing from all Sickness and Diseases
We celebrate the Cross because by looking at it with faith (like the Israelites in today’s first reading), we receive healing from all sicknesses and diseases. The Cross is not merely an artwork; it is not a decoration. The Cross is a channel of healing that God has provided to us, His children. All we need to do is look at it with faith.
If you know the power of the Cross, you will not move from church to church in search of solutions to the various kinds of snakes we have in our world today. The same Jesus who healed the Israelites when they looked at the bronze serpent is available to you today. Does this mean that the Cross has become an idol to be worshipped? No. Look at the Cross, but look beyond it. If you can picture Jesus on the Cross, there is nothing you ask for that He will not give.
The story is told that Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered the hidden place where the Cross of Jesus was kept during her visit to the Holy Land. At the site, there were three crosses, but that of Jesus was identified when a miracle of healing occurred. Jesus was absolutely right when He promised, “As Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15).
4. We Celebrate the Cross Because the Cross is a Symbol of Forgiveness of Sin.
When I look at the Cross, I realise there is no sin that Jesus Christ will not forgive. It was on the cross that Jesus said to the thief, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43). It was also on the Cross that Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). Meditate on the Cross, place yourself in the shoes of that repentant thief as say, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
If the Cross is a permanent assurance of God’s forgiveness of sins, it follows that the Cross also teaches us to forgive others. Whenever you feel hurt or bitter towards your neighbour, sit down before a Crucifix and have a heart-to-heart conversation with Jesus. Tell Him how you feel and ask for the grace to let go as He did on the Cross. Unite your pain to the pain he felt when He was hanging from the Cross.
As we learn to forgive others by meditating on the Cross, we also learn humility. In today’s second reading, St. Paul says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, we thank you for the healing power of your Cross. Teach us to value it and the crosses we bear daily for your sake. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Feast. Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Numbers 21:4-9, Ps. 78:1-2,34-38, John 3:13-17)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu