Sep 14 – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
The feast was celebrated in Rome before the end of the 7th century. Its purpose is to commemorate the recovering of that portion of the Holy Cross which was preserved at Jerusalem, and which had fallen into the hands of the Persians. Emperor Heraclius recovered this precious relic and brought it back to Jerusalem on 3 May 629.
- Patron Saint Index
Num 21:4-9
Phi 2:6-11
Jn 3:13-17
‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you.’
I once had a colleague who prominently displayed holy pictures and a crucifix at his desk. This was indeed a visual display of his faith and was laudable. However, it caused a bit of a scandal when he became part of the office gossip and remarks were made about the hypocrisy he demonstrated as a Christian. The readings of today remind us of the need to remain focused on Christ and not on the things of this world.
The struggles faced by the Israelites were real. They were fast to forget their past slavery and quick to complain about their present living conditions. The pain of the existing reality probably clouded their judgment of the wonder of the parting of the Red Sea. This is something which most people are guilty of, even today. There are people who complain about the cost of home ownership without realizing that there are many others who do not own a home. In today’s economic climate, there are those who complain about the stress of work without being aware that there are those in their midst who are unemployed.
The sign which the Israelites saw in the desert was a bronze serpent which restored their health. For us as Catholics, the crucifix acts as a living sign of the love which Jesus showed to us by dying for our sins. There is still one group of people who is often neglected and we need to remember — that is those who depend on us to come to know Christ. In relating back to the incident mentioned at the start of this reflection, I had to remind others that that particular colleague in question did not represent the entire Christian faith. There were others whom they could emulate in actions and words.
The world today is in need of good witnesses to the faith. This can only come about through a continuous encounter with Christ crucified, and an extension of our faith through fellowship with others. Let us pray for the grace to be able to carry out this task wholeheartedly.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Nicholas Chia)
Prayer: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks for all who show us the way to Jesus.
OXYGEN 
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