Exaltation of the Holy Cross
In our reading, Jesus was always God and he became a human being just like us. He was humble (born in a stable) and he was a carpenter. He obeying God in everything, even dying on the cross. God raised him up and gave him the name above all other names. Everyone will know Jesus is Lord.
In our gospel, Jesus was telling Nicodemus that he was chosen by God to die on the cross and be raised from the dead so that those who believe in him will live forever. Jesus was sent into the world to save it.
Special Saint/Feast Day – Our Lady of Sorrows – September 15
Mary had many great joys as the Mother of Jesus but she suffered a lot, too. We especially remember seven occasions of great suffering in Mary’s life:
-When Mary took Baby Jesus to the Temple and the prophet Simeon told her that a sword of suffering (when Jesus would be put to death) would pierce her heart.
-When Mary and Joseph had to flee to Egypt with Jesus because Herod’s soldiers were trying to kill him.
-when Mary searched three days in Jerusalem for Jesus. She finally found him in the Temple.
-when Jesus was whipped and crowned with thorns.
-When Mary saw Jesus lifted on the cross, where he died after three hours of agony.
-when Jesus’ body was placed in her arms
-When Jesus was buried in the tomb.
Mary did not complain because she had to suffer so much during her life. Instead, she offered her sorrows to God for us. We can also think of Mary and offer up some little sacrifice without complaining.