Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

O beloved Cross!
Create in me a clean heart.
Your will, forever.

Nm 21:4b-9 / Phil 2:6-11 / Jn 3:13-17

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Numbers 21:4-9; Psalms 78:1-38; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." How many of us see our Parent's generosity as an invitation to join the new chosen tribe? Do we think that the Israelites just bitched too much on their way to the promised land, so God decided to replace them? How much death and destruction has its source in our belief that the Divine One has a favorite child? We may not agree on which child that is, but most of us seem willing to bet that there is a favorite, and that we should all do what he says. I say to you that such notions insult the sacrifice that our Brother made upon that lovely cross. He became one of us, and died as one of us, so that we might know that our Parent anxiously awaits our arrival at the eternal banquet. And this home is not just for the one or the many, but for all of us, even those who forget or refuse to acknowledge the wondrous works of our Lord.

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Numbers 21: 4b-9; Philippians 2: 6-11; John 3: 13-17

We see here a God who desires to be our lover, but we see ourselves as too lowly for such a prize. It is much easier to believe in a jealous king who would smite his queen for any complaint. Was God really the author of the Israelites misery? Or was it just easier for the weary spouse to blame her more powerful partner for not wiping away the bumps of the journey? How could God get us to see the seriousness of his desire for our love? Only through Jesus, in whom we see a God of humility. A God who comes to us as only a true lover can do, opens his arms wide, and sacrifices himself for our sake. "For God so loved the world ..." How can anyone deny these words? God is asking to be your lover. What will your answer be?