Monday, September 14, 2020

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 2:30-32
Mass: Num 21:4b-9; Resp Ps 78; Ph 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17


Do not forget the works of the Lord!

HEART OF JESUS, SALVATION OF THOSE WHO TRUST IN THEE,
HAVE MERCY ON US.

There are many things to hold in our hearts and bear on our lips on this glorious day. How about this: "At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Ph 2:10-11). Why? We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your Cross you have redeemed the world. Sign yourself, big and with heartfelt intention, then pick up your cross and carry it. For whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me (Mt 16:24), says the Lord. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 

The Christian begins her day, her prayers, and her activities with the Sign of the Cross: "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." The baptized person dedicates the day to the glory of God and calls on the Savior's grace which lets him act in the Spirit as a child of the Father. The sign of the cross strengthens us in temptations and difficulties.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2157)

Signing your ears and nose with the sign of the holy cross, you will pray to the Lord that He Himself open wide the ears of your heart to His law and fill all that is within you with the scent of His fame.
(Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta, Spiritual Exercises 1.95-98)

Today's photo: A favorite cross dusted with snow.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

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