Homily for Feast of the Holy Cross

Homily for the
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Sept. 14, 2021
Phil 2: 6-11
John 3: 13-17
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Home, New Rochelle, N.Y.

by Vasili Golinsky

“Because of this, God greatly exalted him” (Phil 2: 9).

To be exalted is to be lifted up, to be praised or glorified.  With reference to our Lord Jesus, it has a double meaning.  1st, he was lifted up, as he told Nicodemus, lifted up on the cross, so that those who look upon him with faith “may have eternal life” (John 3:15).

2d, he was lifted up from the grave, raised to eternal life.  Therefore we praise and glorify him.  And, believing in him, we too hope to be raised up from the grave and to join him in eternal life.  We hope to win praise from him, not on our own merits, but because, like the sinful Hebrews in the desert (Num 21:4-9) we’ve looked up to him for healing.  And he’ll say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  Enter your master’s joy” (Matt 25:21).