It is 14th September 2016. We celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. We pray in the entrance antiphon of the Holy Mass, “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.” (Gal.6:14). The readings are from Numbers 21:4-9; Philippians 2:6-11; and the Gospel from John 3:13-17. The Cross is our learning summit for our personal salvation. The first reading teaches us that our attitude of grumbling and complaining will not resolve any problems of life. A complete surrender at the foot of the Creator and to be grateful for all that we have is the only way forward in our spiritual life. The responsorial Psalm reminds us, “Do not forget the works of the Lord.” (Ps.78:7). St. Paul recounts that Christ humbled himself to become one of us to save us. In suffering, we are not alone and we are not suffering for nothing. Because of love, we are willing to carry our own cross. We learn to suffer with others and for others. Whatever is the suffering we go through today, when we humbly look at the Cross of Jesus, we are healed and consoled. As we honour the Cross, let us also stand up for those who are unjustly treated and marginalized. We share and celebrate the triumph of the cross as the victory over Satan and the forces of evil and death. St. Francis of Assisi used to pray the following prayer whenever he visited a chapel, “We adore you Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all your churches throughout the world, and we bless you because of your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.” May you have good day.