Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Lectionary: 638

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, 

even death on a cross.

The twentieth century saw a rebirth of wonder in the mystery of the Trinity, and viewed it especially through kenosis, the emptying of God which Saint Paul described in today's first reading. 

The Greek word kenosis appears in the third line, immediately following Jesus' decision not to "grasp" his equality with God. There is no doubt in this letter, nor on any page of the Bible, that Jesus is the equal of God, whom he called "Father." He has a right to the deference of every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth. But the right meant nothing to him as he approached his mission and fulfilled his destiny. 

He must empty himself in his love for his Father. And there must be no hesitation, no looking back. The Gospels attest how he generously, willingly, eagerly marched toward Jerusalem and certain death. 

Saint Paul describes that degradation in rapid steps. He took the form of a slave and was human in every way, He became obedient to death. And one terrifying, incomprehensible step beyond that, "death on a cross." 

With further contemplation on that mystery the Apostles Creed would add, "he descended into hell."
But Jesus was only imitating his Father, who in uttering the Eternal Word had exhausted Godself. As Jesus told the bewildered crowd in John 5, "a son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees his father doing; for what he does, his son will do also."

The Father could give nothing more to Jesus.

"All authority in heaven on on earth has been given to me."

In their gift of the Holy Spirit, the Father and the Son can give no more to the Church. We have only to accept that gift with the same kenosis -- self-emptying -- in which it is given. 

We celebrate the "Holy Cross" because we recognize it as the only way to salvation. It is the narrow gate and needle's eye through which God has passed and we must pass. It allows for no luggage, least of all the Self, to be dragged through it. 

Facing the real possibility that, by human decision, human life may disappear from the earth within this century, the world's people and its leaders must hear the doctrine of the Cross. Power cannot save itself; the pursuit of power is insane. It can only save us if we utterly reject its allure.