September 14, 2014 – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Nm 21: 4B-9; Ps 78: 1BC-2, 34-38; Phil 2: 6-11; Jn 3:13-17
One of the aspects of our stewardship should be a desire to understand and appreciate the significance of many of the celebrations, feasts, and solemnities we as Catholics observe and experience. Today’s Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrates three historical events: the finding of the True Cross by St. Helena; the construction and dedication of churches by Helena’s son the Emperor Constantine on the site of Mt. Calvary where Christ was crucified; and, the return of the Cross to Jerusalem by the Emperor Heraclius II.
As Catholics, we need to remember the Cross every time we make the Sign of the Cross. We make that sign often and almost always at the beginning and the end of our prayers. However, that sign in itself is a prayer. Sometimes we do it automatically without really considering its meaning and importance. Rather than a hurried sign, we should make the Sign of the Cross with reverence, respect, and the constant reflection of how vital the Cross is to our salvation. Stewardship invites us to practice our faith with this deference and appreciation to the Lord, truly in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
