Weekly Meditation September 14, 2009

Today we celebrate the Feast of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Church lifts up the Cross as the noble trophy of Christ's compassionate ministry of our salvation, his conquest of sin and evil. We relish the Cross as a sign of God's extreme love for us and a central symbol in our Christian life.

In yesterday's gospel from St. Mark, Jesus spoke so clearly to those who wanted to be his disciples. "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it."


God our Father, in obedience to you your only Son accepted death on the cross for the salvation of mankind. We acknowledge the mystery of the cross on earth. May we receive the gift of redemption in heaven. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Prayer, Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross