Homily: Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (John 3:13-17)

Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (John 3:13-17) “Lifting Jesus Up”

The feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is tied to St. Helena, the mother of Constantine. She was a devout Christian who went to Jerusalem in the 4^th Century. There was a pagan temple built over the place of Jesus’ death and burial. Helena tore down the temple and built The Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher. In the excavation for that church, legend has it, three crosses were found. A woman who was very sick was healed when she touched one of the crosses so that was identified as the cross of Jesus. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross was put on the liturgical calendar on the day of the Basilica’s dedication in the 6^th century.

The Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher still stands today. The church has divided ownership. Three denominations claim it as their own. The Armenian Apostolic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. The irony is that this holiest of all Christian sites is a place of much division. The three churches who have custody do not get along. They have been at odds over repair and decoration of the church. It is so bad that Jewish people have the key to the church.

We hear in the readings today how the Israelites complain and fight against Moses. Poisonous snakes bite the people. They are only cured when Moses lifts up a bronze serpent for the people to look at. Throughout the centuries there have been times when the poison of discord has divided the Christian Church. What would happen if those quarrelling would meditate on the true meaning of the cross?

The cross represents self-sacrificing love. Jesus gave his body over to be broken for humanity. He had no time for hatred or division. He wanted us all to be one. When we worship the cross, we do not pray over an object, but we reflect on the actions of Christ in his last hours.

When we lift the cross and believe our Savior is the model of how we are to live, the poison of self-absorption is drained from our lives. When we sing, “Lift Hight the Cross” this is what we are commemorating.

Reflection Questions:

1. What do I see when I look at the cross? How does that touch my life?
2. Who do I need to forgive today?  Can that forgiveness begin with prayer?

Dear Parishioners,

           I was able to attend the 50^th anniversary of the religious profession of Sr. Kathleen Ann Mourisse this past Sunday. She is a native of our parish and served here at Sacred Heart School for a number of years. The celebration was at Immaculate Conception Convent in Peoria. 

          The Franciscan Sisters were instrumental in establishing Sacred Heart parish and influenced generations of students. Sr. Kathleen is now the superior of the order. The sisters remember Sacred Heart fondly and they sent their love to all of you. We have several sisters who have grown up in our parish.

          Please feel free to congratulate Sr. Kathleen. Her address is:

           2408 W. Heading Ave.

          West Peoria, Il. 61604

           May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.

          Fr. Mark