Today, September 14, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, also known as the Triumph of the Cross.
The Cross stands at the very heart of our Christian faith. Upon the Cross, Jesus Christ offered Himself for the salvation of the world. What appeared to be defeat became the victory of divine love. Through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection, Christ conquered sin and death and opened for us the way to eternal life.
In the Catholic village of Mi’ilya (Mailya) in Western Galilee, this feast is celebrated with a beautiful annual tradition of prayer and procession. The faithful gather in and around the church, carrying the Cross and joining together in prayer, hymns, and celebration. The procession is a visible witness of the Christian faith that has been preserved in the Galilee for generations.
For us who live in the Holy Land, the Cross is more than a symbol. It reminds us that we are following Jesus Christ in the land where He lived, preached, suffered, died, and rose again.
A Short History of the Feast
The celebration of the Holy Cross has deep roots in Jerusalem. In the fourth century, churches were dedicated at the sites associated with Calvary and the Holy Sepulchre, and the Cross was solemnly honored there. The celebration became established in Rome by the seventh century.
The feast is also connected with the recovery of the Holy Cross after it had been taken by the Persians. In 629, the Cross was recovered and returned to Jerusalem by the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius.
For Catholics, however, the importance of this feast goes far beyond the history of a sacred relic. We exalt the Cross because Jesus Christ was crucified upon it for our salvation.
As the Church proclaims:
“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”
The Cross Is Our Hope
The Cross reminds us that suffering is not the end of the story. Christ passed through suffering and death and rose victorious on the third day.
When we look upon the Cross, we see the love of Jesus—a love so great that He gave His life for us.
The Cross is our hope.
The Cross is our victory.
The Cross is the sign of Christ’s love.
The Cross leads us to the Resurrection.
Jesus tells us:
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to myself.” — John 12:32
Today, let us look upon the Cross with faith and gratitude. Let us remember the price of our redemption and ask for the grace to carry our own crosses faithfully, following Jesus wherever He leads us.
O Holy Cross of Christ, be our hope, our strength, and our path to Heaven.
Jesus Crucified, have mercy on us.
Jesus Risen, lead us to eternal life.
Amen.
The post Happy Feast Day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross from the Holy Land appeared first on NOVENA PRAYER.