The Exaltation of the Cross

Reflection on Today's Readings for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Tuesday 14th September,  2021
Texts: Numbers 21:4b-9; Ps. Numbers 21:4b-9; Ps. Ps 78:1-2.34-38; Phil. 2:6-11; John 3:13-17
Today is the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. The Cross of Jesus Christ is the tree of life; it is the tree through which we are saved from the power of sin and death. Today's first reading narrates the story of Hebrews when they sinned against God. A broze serpent was given to them as a remedy for sin and death. When the people looked at the broze serpent they won God's delight and forgiveness. By looking at the broze serpent, they were delivered also from death and given life. The broze serpent looked forward to the Cross; in it we come to see what God was about to accomplish through the Cross: God's pleasure and forgiveness, and redemption from the power of sin and death. It is said, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that who ever believes in him may have eternal life.”
The second reading reminds us that it was God who died on the Cross for us. St. Paul says "Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." Jesus christ is in the form of God; Jesus Christ is God who took human flesh to die on the Cross and save the world.
The Cross is a symbol of humility; the display of humility of God. In today's second reading, St. Paul says, "And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross." These words of St. Paul also reveals the Cross as the symbol of divine obedience: Jesus Christ's obedience to His Father. Jesus shows us in Himself the need to be humble and obedient. With the virtues of humility and obedience, we become like Christ.
Jesus Christ shows us by His Cross that it is in humility and obedience that we win glory; for it is said, "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." God exalts whoever embrace the Cross in humility and obedience.
Today's gospel reading reminds us that the Cross is the symbol of God's love.  It is said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that who ever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." When we see the Cross we see and experience the love of God.

Lord our God, we thank You for Your love towards us; may your joys fill our hearts. Amen

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke