Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Today's Mass Readings

I’ve been reflecting recently on the importance of reconciliation in life. The whole world watched the recent events that unfolded in Afghanistan. Conflicts are occurring at home in the United States as politics continues to be polarized. We Christians have an important role to play in all this. Christians are called to live lives of reconciliation. This goes beyond simply living in peace. Do we reach out to others? Do we seek forgiveness and offer it? Reconciliation cannot occur unless two parties or more both forgive each other. The other party involved in a conflict may refuse to forgive or admit they are wrong. Can you accept that?

It says in Today’s responsorial psalm to “not forget the works of the Lord.” How often do we forget what God has given us? The honest truth is we forget too much and too quickly. We turn to our own devices. We let fear turn us away from our faith. Jesus calls us back to Himself nonetheless. He offers His love and guidance again and again. We are called to return to the Lord on this Feast on the Exaltation of the Cross. There is no surer way to find faith again than to look to this one true symbol of our faith. “For so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so all that believe in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” Through this sign, we are reconciled to God.

Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB