Reflection
Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 78
Philippians 2:6-11
John 3:13-17
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Feast commemorates two important events. The first event was the discovery of what is believed to be the cross of Jesus. That occurred around 320 AD when St. Helena, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine, tore down the Temple of Aphrodite in Jerusalem. During the excavation they found three crosses, one believed to be the cross of Jesus. The second event is the building of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher at that site in 1149 AD.
These two events underscore the significance of the Cross. The discovery of the Cross during excavations directly led to the adoration of the Cross that we still do on Good Friday. However, the presence of the Cross is not nearly as important as the reason for the Cross.
“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.” That is John 3:16. We see signs frequently at sporting events with that verse referenced.
You are so very much loved. Y-O-U! Isn’t that incredible? God loves you, individually and uniquely, so very much that He sent His only Son to save you. And if you were the only one who needed saving, God loves you so much that He would have sent His Son just for you. Ponder it today. Do you see it? Do you believe that you are really loved? That God wants all good things for you? He wants you for eternity! Celebrate that!
Now go smile at God!