TIEPOLO, Giovanni Battista
THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
This feast commemorates both the dedication of the basilica built by Constantine for the Holy Sepulcher, and also the return of the True Cross to Jerusalem by Emperor Heraclius of Judea during the seventh century. After Heraclius had recovered it by force from King Chosroes of Persia, he tried to carry it along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, but was unable to make any headway. Bishop Zachary of Jerusalem, ponting to his luxurious clothing, said, "Attired in these rich robes, you are far from imitating the poverty of Jesus Christ and His humility in bearing His Cross." The Empoeror caught the hint -- and went on to Calvary barefooted and wearing a simple cloak.
ENTRANCE HYMN
But it is fitting that we should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is salvation, life, and resurrection for us, by whom we are saved and delivered. (Gal. 6:14)
The cross has made suffering a way to life. The mercy of God reached down deep into human anguish and made suffering, which is part of all our lives, redemptive. To consecrate our suffering, in love, to God is to share the hidden glory of the cross of Christ.
To know what God thinks of us we have only to look at the cross. He loves us. The omnipotence that made a universe from nothing, the wisdom that fashioned its plan, work in a love for each of us that is visible upon the cross. To respond to this love is to find our life.
The greatest example of this love is Mother Mary, whose soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow at the Sacred Passion and Death of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
'By the Cross stood the sorrowing Mother Mary, the Queen of Heaven and Mistress of the world.' 'Look, all you who pass by, and see if there is any sorrow like unto mine.' (John 19:25; Lam. 1:12)
ENTRANCE HYMN
But it is fitting that we should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is salvation, life, and resurrection for us, by whom we are saved and delivered. (Gal. 6:14)
The cross has made suffering a way to life. The mercy of God reached down deep into human anguish and made suffering, which is part of all our lives, redemptive. To consecrate our suffering, in love, to God is to share the hidden glory of the cross of Christ.
To know what God thinks of us we have only to look at the cross. He loves us. The omnipotence that made a universe from nothing, the wisdom that fashioned its plan, work in a love for each of us that is visible upon the cross. To respond to this love is to find our life.
The greatest example of this love is Mother Mary, whose soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow at the Sacred Passion and Death of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
'By the Cross stood the sorrowing Mother Mary, the Queen of Heaven and Mistress of the world.' 'Look, all you who pass by, and see if there is any sorrow like unto mine.' (John 19:25; Lam. 1:12)
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