The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

“the Son of man must be lifted up”

Strung up, crucified and, thanks to the Resurrection lifted up – and seen – as divine.

The crucifixion demonstrated – revealed – the immense love of God for our humanity.

The horror – the agony - of Calvary is grotesque to behold.

Jesus is crucified in the morning alongside two criminals, who are nailed to crosses either side of him. Many passers-by insult and mock Jesus.

Then, at three o’clock in the afternoon, Jesus cries out, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?”, meaning‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’

A prayer disclosing how emotionally abandoned Jesus felt while swathed in indescribable physical agony; in which He could still tell the Good Thief that “today you will be with me in paradise”.

No wonder, a Roman soldier who witnesses Jesus’ death – and will probably have been present at many crucifixions - exclaimed,‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’

I do not believe that Jesus died to atone for the sins of humanity. The idea of atonement does not agree with my notion of God’s character.

The crucifixion revealed to me the immense love of God for humanity and for me.  In response to God’s love for me, I became a priest, just over 56 years ago: a life of fulfilment, discovery and the joy of serving many wonderful communities such as you. 

Thank God.