Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17)

Today, the Church invites us to gaze upon the Holy Cross, not as a symbol of defeat, but as the greatest sign of God’s love. Jesus freely embraced the Cross so that we might receive eternal life. Every time we look upon the Crucifix, we are reminded that love is measured not by words, but by sacrifice.

For Saint Peter Julian Eymard, the Cross and the Eucharist were inseparable. He taught that every Mass makes present the same sacrificial love of Calvary. The altar is where the Cross is offered anew in an unbloody manner, and the Eucharist is the living gift of Christ who continues to give Himself completely to us. To adore the Blessed Sacrament is to stand spiritually at the foot of the Cross with Mary and John, receiving the infinite love flowing from the Heart of Jesus.

There have been moments in my own life when carrying a cross felt overwhelming. Yet, whenever I have knelt before the Blessed Sacrament, I have discovered that Jesus never asks me to carry a cross alone. He transforms burdens into blessings, fear into peace, and suffering into a deeper trust in His providence. The Cross reminds me that God’s greatest victories often come disguised as our greatest trials.

Today, let us not run from our crosses but carry them with Christ, knowing that every cross united to His becomes a path to resurrection.

Let Us Pray:

Lord Jesus, exalted upon the Cross and present in the Holy Eucharist, teach us to embrace our crosses with faith and love. May we find strength at Your altar, peace in Your Presence, and hope in Your saving sacrifice. Through the intercession of Saint Peter Julian Eymard, help us to live each day centered on the Eucharist and confident in Your redeeming love. Amen.