Fr Alex Swain

Beloved in Christ,

Holy Cross Day is upon us (well, technically yesterday but we observe it today).

Today we celebrate the discovery of the true cross in Jerusalem by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, in the 300s.

Helena traveled to Jerusalem and found what is likely to be the site of the crucifixion and burial of our Lord. She then, with almost unlimited access to the imperial coffers, had a Church of the Holy Sepulcher built over the sites—and the church was dedicated in September 14, 335.

The cross is the fundamental symbol of the Christian faith. 

The cross is a symbol of profound derision and fear; the horrifying means of death brought upon the worst criminals when the Roman Empire. 

It is the martial device which was used to execute Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The Gospel appointed for today reads, “Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

We often forget that the cross is, among so many things, the judgement of the world.

The orthodox hymn for Good Friday captures this quite beautifully:

Today he who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon a Tree,
He who is King of the Angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns.
He who wraps the heaven in clouds is wrapped in mocking purple.
He who freed Adam in the Jordan receives a blow on the face.
The Bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with nails.
The Son of the Virgin is pierced by a lance,.
We worship your Sufferings, O Christ
Show us also your glorious Resurrection.

The cross is the death dealing horror that creation used to kill its own creator.

And by it we bear witness to the glorious resurrection.

It is how God takes unfettered evil and destroys it and invites all humanity into profound, deep, knowing relationship with Godself.

The cross is judgement. The cross is mystery. The cross is the means by which Jesus destroys death and welcomes us into life eternal.

We rejoice with St. Helena on this wondrous day—the day in which the site of judgement, the site of our hope is found. 

May we continue to carry our crosses in the light of our loving God.

Amen!

—Fr Alex