Exaltation of the Holy Cross

[Sept 14, 2014, Numbers 21:4-9, Phil 2:6-11, John 3:13-17]

Today we celebrate the exaltation of the cross. It is not an invitation to become masochists but to appreciate the great victory won by Christ on the cross. It reminds me of the conversion of Constantine the Great (we can thank him for the spread of our Catholic faith in the Church’s early history.) His conversion came about in a decisive moment in a battle. He looked up in the sky and saw a glowing cross with the words “in this sign conquer.” He then commanded is soldiers to paint the symbol of the cross on their shields and they went on to win the battle. We can have that confidence that in the struggles and challenges, when we are trying to sincerely do the will of God, his grace will conquer and the suffering is not in vain!