September 14th
Episcopal Calender: Holy Cross Day
Orthodox Calendar: Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross
Roman Catholic Calender: Exaltation of the Cross
Today is Holy Cross Day on the Episcopal Calendar. God is revealed through the cross, not human sophistry. We often substitute theology, head knowledge and doctrine for true spirituality, which is found by being in union with Christ. It is through Christ we are brought near to God, through his cross. Christianity is different in this way from every other religion. We are saved and come to know God by the cross, not by any human effort, gnosis, wisdom, or intellectual pursuit, or by being "spiritual."
We Christians of all stripes- conservative and liberal, Catholic and Protestant- stray away from the Gospel when we lose sight of the Cross. We want to be relevant and cool in our discourse with the world, but in our sometimes well-intentioned efforts to make points of connection with postmodern culture, we often lose sight of the cross of Christ. We are ashamed of the gospel message of redemption through Christ's sacrifice and subsequent resurrection (Romans 1.16). The world may think the preaching of the cross is foolish, but it is the power of God for salvation.
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Readings for Holy Cross Day
Sing ye to the Lord anew canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy. The Lord hath made known his salvation: he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles. He hath remembered his mercy his truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.
- Psalm 97 [98].1-4
Tell ye, and come, and consult together: who hath declared this from the beginning, who hath foretold this from that time? Have not I the Lord, and there is no God else besides me? A just God and a saviour, there is none besides me. Be converted to me, and you shall be saved, all ye ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by myself, the word of justice shall go out of my mouth, and shall not return: For every knee shall be bowed to me, and every tongue shall swear. [25] Therefore shall he say: In the Lord are my justices and empire: they shall come to him, and all that resist him shall be confounded.
- Isaias 45.21-25
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And whosoever shall follow this rule, peace on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man be troublesome to me; for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
- Galatians 6.14-18
For let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man. He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause God also hath exalted him, and hath given him a name which is above all names: That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth: And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.
- Philippians 2.5-11
Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself. (Now this he said, signifying what death he should die.) The multitude answered him: We have heard out of the law, that Christ abideth for ever; and how sayest thou: The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man? Jesus therefore said to them: Yet a little while, the light is among you. Walk whilst you have the light, that the darkness overtake you not. And he that walketh in darkness, knoweth not whither he goeth. Whilst you have the light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light.
- John 12.31-36a
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