HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF THE TRIUMPH (EXALTATION) OF THE CROSS (SEPTEMBER 14 2022

Homily for the feast of the Triumph of the Cross (September 14)

Numbers 21: 4-9; philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, today the Holy Mother Church celebrates the feast of the Triumph of the Cross to remind us of the truth of Redemption. The church rejoices today and praises God for all that Jesus obtained for us through the cross.

The Responsorial Psalm of today's liturgy of the word tells us : "Never forget the deeds of the Lord" (Psalm 77:7). The deeds of the Lord are Creation, Redemption, Resurrection and Ascension. The Gospel reading of today tells us of God's deed: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whomsoever ever believes in him may not perish but have eternal life" (Jn 3:16). The purpose was for the salvation of souls and not the condemnation of the world. It is rather regrettable that many live forgetful of God's deeds. Hence, the celebration of today reminds us of the deed of God: the truth of Redemption which Christ Jesus gained through his death on the Cross.

The feast is called "Triumph" of the cross because Christ had conquered the battle for humanity,  through Christ's victory over sin and death, the gates of heaven had been open to the salvation of humanity; Pardon and mercy is now avaliable for all humanity no matter how grave the sins may be; humanity is now free from the clutches of the evil one. Hence, we share in the victory of Christ. The tree of man's defeat became his tree of victory; where life is lost, there has life been restored through Christ Jesus.

This joy of victory, our joy is obviously expressed even in the entrance antiphone: "we adored you, O Christ and we praise you; because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world".

In the Gospel reading of today, Jesus declared to Nicodemus: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the son of man be lifted up, so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (Jn 3:14-15). Friends in Christ, unknown to Nicodemus that contained in these words was the summary of the paschal mystery. When Jesus spoke of being "lifted up", he was speaking of the "cross of calvary".

The lifting of the serpent was an unusual event that took place during Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised land. The desert experience revealed Israel's infidelity to God which underwent numerous testing. One of it was the test of the poisonous serpents which took place near Mount Hor. We are told that many who were bitten by the serpent died (Num21:6). Thus, God ordered Moses to make a bronze serpent and mount it on a pole, so that anyone bitten by the serpent and looked at the bronze repent shall live (Num21:9). They were saved not because they looked upon the bronze serpent but because they believed in the power of God and his saving love. Hence, when the Son of Man is lifted up on the Cross of calvary, all who believe will have eternal life (Jn 3:15). Friends in Christ, the bronze serpent was symbolic; a symbolic figure of the Crucified Christ. 

It right then to say that there exist a profound analogy between the figure of the serpent and the reality of the Son of Man being lifted up; between the sign of salvation and the reality of salvation contained in the cross of calvary. Salvation from physical death caused by the poison of the serpent in the desert, came about through a serpent. So also salvation from spritual death comes through the Son of Man being lifted up on the Cross.

To be "lifted up" is suggestive of something "low". Jesus, though was in the form of God did not count equality with God, a thing to be grasped. He emptied himself and became a slave, being born in human form" (Phil 2:6-7). Low is synonymous to being emptied. It is in human eyes, humiliation and disgrace. However, in essence, God took human form and is brought low, so that the human person may be lifted up. This is the source of the lifting up of humanity. 

Brothers and sisters in Christ, what seemed to be a failure in the eyes of the world became a victory of sacrificial love before God. One may say, it is necessary to pass through humiliation so as to be exalted. For the word of God says: "Those who are humbled shall be exalted" (Lk 14:11). Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you (Jas 4:10). The cross which was an instrument of toture and ridicule for criminals had become and emblem of Christianity. 

Friends in Christ, it is worthy to note that the church was birthed at the side of the cross, and there is no church without the Cross, and no altar without the cross. As Christians, we make our profession in the Most Holy Trinity through the sign of the Cross. The Cross apparently has become sure sign of Christianity before the world. The Cross is our refuge, our way and our life. It is our invincible weapon of victory over sin and death. The cross liberates.

Beloved in Christ, we pray for grace and strenght to consistently walk the pathway of the cross, manifesting our faith in Christ Jesus. 

May God bless his words in our hearts both now and forevermore. Amen

We adore you O Christ and we praise you

Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Have a glorious day!

Fr Remi osj