God's Love

Readings for Tuesday September 14, 2010

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 78
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel: John 3:13-17


Jesus said to Nicodemus: "No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. (Jn 3:13-17)

Today we celebrate the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross. We can also think of this day as the triumph of the cross. When Jesus chose to die on the cross, He suffered a shameful death, all for our salvation. The cross is a great symbol in the Christian faith, it is a reminder of many different things for us. Each time that we see a cross or a crucifix, we must remember Christ's sacrifice and great love for each one of us.

Today's readings certainly speak of God's love. For example Saint Paul writes to the Philippians: "Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross." (Phil. 2:7-8) We see that Jesus held nothing back, but rather "emptied" Himself all for our sake. In the gospel reading, Saint John writes: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." (Jn 3:16) We see that The Father too holds nothing back from His people, but loves us so much even to give His only Son so that we might have life.

God's love is so faithful and so abundant, He holds nothing back from us. His love is faithful and total, so shouldn't our love be the same for Him?

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all the great blessings in our life. Lord, everything that we have is from you, help us to be good stewards of all that you give. Lord, thank you for your great love, help us to never leave your loving arms. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.