It is 14th September 2015. It is the feast day of the Exaltation of the Cross. The readings are from Num.21:4b-9; Phil.2:6-11 and the Gospel from Jn. 3:13-17. In the Entrance Antiphon we read: “We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered.” The veneration of the Cross began during the fourth century with the help of St. Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered the cross in Jerusalem. We the Church believe the Holy Cross as the instrument of our salvation. The first reading describes that those who were bitten by snake must look up and live. It was not the snake healed them rather their belief and obedience to look up to God. In order to live healthy life, we need to gaze on Christ. (Heb.12:2). The responsorial Psalm reminds us, “Do not forget the works of the Lord.” (Ps.78:7). The second reading teaches us that Jesus was obedient to the Father even to the extent of death on a cross. “He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” (Phil 2:8). The Gospel brings out the need to look up to Jesus in order to be healed and saved. The cross is the ultimate explanation of the authentic and altruistic love of God. To believe is not an intellectual agreement on the reality of the Cross but it is the absolute trust and confidence that there is salvation through the Cross of Jesus. “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:7). May God bless you through the power of the Cross.