The Triumph of the Cross*

 

Triumph of the Cross Parish

    "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God." ~Hebrews 12: 1-2

    Yesterday, we celebrated the feast of the Triumph of the Cross.* I would venture to guess that this feast is one that Catholics often forget we have, which is strangely fitting for a time to celebrate the cross. Strangely, we have crosses and crucifixes galore, found in homes, yards, seminary campuses, and in the front and center of Churches (at least, that's where they should be found), yet often the crucifixion of Christ is forgotten in the minds and hearts of many Christians. Here's a question that will take a moment of introspection: how often do you think- really meditate- on the cross, about Jesus Christ crucified? Every hour? Every day? Perhaps only every Sunday, if that.

    Even if your answer is better than the latter, I encourage you now to take a moment to guess how often the average Catholic takes time to seriously look at the cross... to receive its beauty, its sadness, its joy, its power. If you aren't living under a rock, I'm going to guess that you found this statistic to be rather low, and maybe even a little scandalous. We have been saved by Jesus Christ in his death on the cross, and been given an everlasting gift by his resurrection! We have first received this grace by our baptisms, and enter into it mysteriously and powerfully in every reception of the Eucharistic liturgy- the re-presentation of the passion of Our Lord! And yet, after all this, the cross has become to our minds as nothing more than a decoration, a vague mention of what "club" we belong to, and a forgone glance at a notion of salvation long ago.

    Do not be disheartened. Though many have forgotten it, the victory of the crucifixion is in no way lost. However, our mission could not be more clear: we must preach Jesus Christ, crucified. After all, the offering of the body of the Lord is the source and summit of our faith.

    Listen to the encouragement infused in the words of Saint Paul. "When I came to you, brothers, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2: 1-2.) No matter your station in life, you need to know nothing but Jesus Christ, crucified, and in this way you may bring souls to him. What does this mean, practically? To answer this, Saint Paul continues in verse 9 and 10 by referencing the book of Isaiah: "What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him,” this God has revealed to us through the Spirit." (1 Corinthians 2: 9-10.) The mystery of the cross can be broken open to us by Holy Spirit, the love between the Father and the Son. So, all we need to do to know nothing except Jesus Christ, crucified, is to enter into his love.

    Again this is very simple. Entering into the love of God is as simple as giving yourself in prayer to him, letting him love you and obediently receiving him. Our Lady, Mary, will help you here. The Queen of Heaven witnesses you, she sees your heart as you try and fail to receive the love of God. When you beg her trustingly and humbly for help, she rejoices to surround you with her motherly protection. Every snare of Satan that binds you and prevents you from drawing near to Christ will, in time, be broken and healed. Her eyes of mercy will lead you to look always upon her son, and the mystery of the Triumph of His Cross will be opened to you.

    In short, by the help of Mother Mary, you can enter into the love of Jesus Christ crucified, and in preaching this with her, the hardened hearts of many will be softened by his gift.

    "Holy Mother pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew, of my Savior crucified." (Excerpt from the Stabat Mater Dolorosa.) Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us, show us the crucified Heart of your son, Jesus.

*Or the Exaltation of the Cross, depending on who you talk to. Heck, even the Liturgy of the Hours disagrees with the USCCB website on this one- and the USCCB literally translates the Liturgy of the Hours.