Homily: Feast of the Triumph of the Cross
Feast of the Triumph of the Cross (Jn 3:13-17) “Lifted Up”
The cross was a familiar method of execution to the people of Roman times. The Romans used this means of public execution as a way of intimidating the general population.
Spartacus is a film about a slave rebellion in ancient Rome. Once the rebellion is put down the Roman authorities must decide how to intimidate the slaves so that the rebellion will never happen again. The decision is made to crucify slaves along the road leading to Rome. The men being crucified stretches for miles. This is how the film ends.
The Jews had a similar uprising shortly before the time of Christ and the Romans used the same tactic. A person who was crucified hung on their cross. The nails affixing the person being punished to the cross were driven through the wrists and ankles. The person died slowly by suffocation as they tried to pull themselves up so they could breathe. Many times, the person dying would hang on the cross for hours if not days.
Jesus dies in the same way. He is considered an insurrectionist. He is said to have proclaimed himself king and this was a threat to Roman order. Jesus dies in a humiliating fashion as a common criminal.
Why was Jesus put to death? This has been a question that has been asked through the centuries. Some Theologians have said that he died as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. But would a loving God ask for such a blood sacrifice?
Other Theologians would say that Jesus was a martyr for justice. Many people have followed in his footsteps. We think of someone like Mahatma Gandi or Oscar Romero. The list of those who have died speaking out about injustice is long indeed.
Often someone must die a martyr’s death in order that things will change. Jesus could have run away and saved himself but stayed in protest. He was willing to die so that others might have a better life. We believe that Jesus did change the world. His courage has allowed others to see that love is stronger than death.
1. How do I view Jesus’ crucifixion? Did he die for a just cause?
2. Have I ever suffered because I stood up for a just cause? What was it?
Dear Parishioners,
The Wayne Messmer one act play about Fr. Damien is coming up fast. If you still have not purchased your tickets, it is time to do so. They’re only $20.00.
Fr. Damian was a legendary figure in the 19th century. He went to Hawaii from Belgium as a young man. He was ordained a priest there and began working with the native population.
The natives contracted many diseases because of the Europeans that were arriving. One of those diseases was leprosy. St. Damien went to the leper colony at Molokai. He lived there for many years and helped the lepers live with a sense of human dignity. Eventually Fr. Damien contracted leprosy himself and he died of the disease.
His story is inspirational, and this saint reminds us of what a Christian hero is like. Buy your ticket today to Wayne Messmer’s play by contacting our office or by buying one the next time you are at Mass.
May our Lady pray for all those suffering of COVID today,
Fr. Mark