Exultation of the Holy Cross
by Fr. Bill Kreutz, SJ, September 14, 2020
The Word
Paul’s letter to the Philippians 2.1-11
Plea for Unity and Humility.
(Image lifted from Google)
- If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy.
- complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.
- Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,
- each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others.
- Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,
- Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.
- Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance,
- he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
- Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
- that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those 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.
(This letter of St. Paul was probably written before 53 A.D., within 20 years of the life and death of Jesus.
A Reflection and Prayer
A Brief Commentary — As attested in historical works, Santa Elena, the mother of Emperor Constantine went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 326 A.D. By that time, there were already investigations and explorations going on as to the place where Jesus was crucified and buried with a view to find the cross of his glory. That is the picture presented above – the finding of the True Cross by Santa Elena.
This cross was divided into many pieces and fragments. With this, there are many churches, monasteries, and other religious sites that have or claim to have a small portion of this True Cross.
Thanksgiving — Our first reflection today: Have I been thankful for the cross of Jesus? For the gift of forgiveness which the world does not easily give? For the Body broken and the Blood poured out – for our Holy Communion?
Humility — This is the point of this passage in St. Paul’s letter –It is the humility of respect for others – of care for others. It is not putting oneself first, at home or work or play or whatever. The gift to pray for a real concern and care for others in the spirit of Jesus .
