Scripture Reflection, September 14, 2025, The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Numbers 21:4b-9 Philippians 2:6-11 John 3:13-17

Let's talk about love.

Today is the Feast of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The gospel today reminds us that the incarnation was itself an act of love. "For God so loved the world that He gave his only son, so that he who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. "

And the life and death of Jesus in the gospels show us that the Reign of God was the great love to which Jesus devoted his life. His preaching revealed what God's Reign might look like. See the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers… Blessed are they who show mercy…” Reflect again on Matthew 25: “The king will say to those on his right… ‘I was hungry and you gave me food,… I was a stranger and you welcomed me’…”

Regardless of the danger and aware of how these words of his would challenge the state and religious leaders of his time, Jesus was faithful, unswerving in his commitment and undeterred by the threat he knew his words posed. His greatest love was the Kingdom of God, though such fidelity would cost him his life.

And what about us? Last week’s gospel challenged us to look honestly at the cost of discipleship, of following in the footsteps of Jesus. None of us will face crucifixion, yet, our discipleship will require sacrifice.

A very wise and holy woman, a mentor of mine, in the last days of her life as she reflected on her years as a vowed religious and a missionary in El Salvador said to me, “I think we spend our lives giving our life back to God. "

This, I believe is the discipleship, the sacrifice we are called to make. Ultimately, we do not exalt the cross by words of praise and rousing hymns, though they have their place.

Ultimately, we exalt the cross by giving our lives, too, back to God… for love.

by: Pat Schnee, OPA