Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Lectionary: 638

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

 

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross has special significance for Franciscans. Our founder, Saint Francis of Assisi, had passed several days in solitude and prayer over the feast in1224 when he received the stigmata. We celebrate that event on September 17.

Wikipedia has an extensive article about today’s feast and its differing dates in various branches of the Church. If we don’t agree on the date, we absolutely agree that the cross of Jesus Christ must never be forgotten. We peer through the gateway of the cross into God’s mercy.

As medieval Europe recovered from the collapse of the Roman Empire -- governments stabilized, highways protected, trade resumed, banks reestablished, the arts and sciences rediscovered – possibilities seemed endless. Thirteenth century Europeans enjoyed economic growth, ecological stability and a degree of prosperity. Money replaced barter, and some people of humble origins could become wealthy and powerful. The Catholic Church enjoyed enormous political, social, economic, and military power. Everyone despised poverty; there seemed no need for it.

As the thirteen century began the young man Francis of Assisi had a vision. Late one evening, while carousing with his buddies, he saw a fascinating young woman dressed in rags. He had only a glimpse of her and he could never say whether she was an actual flesh-and-blood woman or a heavenly vision. Instantly, he wanted to marry her. Suspecting he was in love, his friends asked, “Who is she?” He had to think about it a while, and then he was afraid to tell anyone. She was “Lady Poverty,” neglected, shunned, despised, intoxicatingly beautiful. She was the widowed bride of Christ.

Espousing poverty, Francis would take up the cross and follow in the Savior’s footsteps. This was the simplest, easiest, and straightest way to heaven. As wealthy people coveted gold, silver, precious gems and clothing, he coveted poverty. He would own nothing but his rags, and when he met a poor beggar whose rags were worse than his, he’d trade with him. Many historians agree that this singular young man was the most influential person of the second millennium. He reminded the world of the limitations of wealth, its origins, purpose and threat.

God in great mercy has shown us the cross of Christ; that is, the way of salvation. He gave “Lady Poverty” to Saint Francis as his personal cross; to each of us he assigns our particular crosses. No one gets to choose a preference; they’re assigned by the Wisdom of God. They may be predicted by genetic flaws or discovered by tragic accidents. They may be social and economic, or psychological and moral. They may be received as an honored calling, like marriage or the priesthood, which are later revealed as overwhelming challenges. Or they might be reluctantly accepted like a pariah’s status - like "alcoholic" or "addict -- which prove to be wormholes to satisfaction. 

We can’t shake them off and declare, “Not that cross!” as some people shake off the duties of marriage and parenting. Rather, we take them up, stagger under their weight, and begin to follow Christ. We may have thought we were following him as good citizens and dependable family members; the cross exposes those white lies.

The Feast of Exaltation of the Cross celebrates the death that leads to life. It promises eternal life to those who are willing.