This past weekend, we marked the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and today we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Both of these events invites us to a deeper reflection on the cross of Jesus Christ.
In the rubble of the two towers a steel cross was found standing. While this 9/11 cross is a testament to all people, it is particularly meaningful to us Catholics because we understand that each sacrifice, when united to the Mass and to the cross, brings us back to Calvary. At Calvary we discover anew the significance of the cross of Christ.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrates the finding of the true cross by St. Helena in 326 AD. Ultimately it celebrates the triumph of the cross after feeling all seemed lost. Isn’t it interesting that this feast day on 9/14 in the Church calendar and the events of 9/11 in our country fall so closely together? Both cause us to think about events when all seemed lost.
St. Helena devoted herself to finding the true cross, and God rewarded her for it. Today let us devote ourselves to finding the power of the cross in our lives. Let us contemplate the cross as a symbol of love whenever we gaze upon it. Let us try always to bear our crosses with that same love.
St. Joseph, pray for us !
DeColores, Deacon Doug
