As Christians we have become so accustomed to seeing the crucifix in our churches and homes that we perhaps forget the horrific suffering it represents. When we do reflect on that suffering, the Exaltation of the Cross is an exaltation of God’s, love for humankind. Considering that it was God’s love that led to the cross, that saved us—and not simply the instrument of torture, suffering and execution. Without the cross Christianity would be only another ethical teaching; admirable, but incapable of healing the breach created by Adam and Eve’s rejection of God and our own complicity in it.
As followers of Christ we too are called to bring God’s love for the world into existence by sharing in Christ’s cross. God calls some people to face severe trials of suffering. For some of us the trials that put us to the test are the day to day disappointments and frustrations that don’t become resolved and that don’t go away. Whatever form the cross takes for us, we will need faith and hope in order to respond in love. Our faith is in Jesus Christ the Son of God and Savior of the world. Our hope is to share in his glory by sharing in his cross. So let us look upon the cross in hope since it bears witness to the ultimate triumph of God’s love over sin and death.
