The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is celebrated on September 14.
This feast day actually celebrated two events.
In the year 320, the actual cross on which Jesus was crucified was discovered by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. Constantine then had a shrine and basilica built in 335. The Basilica, named Martyrium and the shrine named The Calverium were destroyed by the Persians in the year 614.
On a more personal level, we celebrate how we are saved by the cross. It is the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus which redeems us. As Christians, we must be willing to suffer for the faith, looking to Jesus in moments of weakness.
The suffering of Jesus on the cross is called Redemptive Suffering. In today’s world it is hard to understand the meaning of suffering. Does anything good come from suffering?
Our salvation came from the suffering of Jesus who died for our sins.
One way that helps me to understand suffering is to thing about the meaning of love. When two people love each other and promise to be there for each other they believe they are in love. The test of true love is what happens when the going gets tough? It is only when we are willing to suffer for another that we know we are loving them.
Willingness to suffer defines love! Jesus is not the only one who is capable of redemptive suffering. We too, can offer our suffering for the good of another. Think of all the times you have suffered in silence because to complain would not help the situation. Give your suffering to God. You will grow in virtue and love.
Remember God is Love. He showed us he loved us by suffering and dying on the cross for us.
On this feast day reflect on the suffering in your life. Can you name the cross you are carrying? Give all your suffering to God and you will come closer to Him who is called Love.
Suffering is a sign that we have come so close to Jesus on the cross that He can kiss us; that He can show that He is in love with us by giving us an opportunity to share in His Passion.
Quote of St. Teresa of Calcutta; Feast Day September 5
September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows