Exalted vulnerability - Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, celebrated today, has deep historical and theological significance in the Christian tradition. It commemorates the discovery and veneration of the True Cross, upon which Jesus was crucified, as well as the broader theological meaning of the cross as the ultimate symbol of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

A. Historical Background

(1) Discovery of the True Cross: In the early 4th century, St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, embarked on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Around 326 AD, she is believed to have discovered the True Cross at the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, Golgotha. According to tradition, three crosses were found, and the one believed to be the True Cross was identified when a dying woman was healed after touching it.

(2) The Dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre: After St. Helena’s discovery, Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of two basilicas on the site of the crucifixion and resurrection—one at Golgotha and the other at the site of Jesus’ tomb, now known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The dedication of these churches in 335 AD marked the first celebration of the Exaltation of the Cross.

(3) The Recovery of the Cross from the Persians: In 614 AD, the True Cross was captured by the Persian Empire during an invasion of Jerusalem. It remained in Persian hands until 628 AD when the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius recaptured it. Tradition holds that Heraclius personally carried the cross back to Jerusalem, where it was again exalted and venerated.

The whole history of salvation is located between the images of two trees; the tree of knowledge that is found in the book of Genesis. The cross is made up of a wooden tree. 

The reason why Jesus died on a cross or a tree is that, in the very beginning, man stole from the tree, God put back on the tree for you and me to undo everything that was done in the beginning.

His hands are pierced because our hands stole from the tree, 

his feet were pierced because the first messianic prophecy involves the feet

right his side is pierced because Eve came from the side, so he is making atonement for Eve one who led into temptation,     

crown of thorns on his head why?

the curse of creation is that "By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return". the ground produces thorns and thistles, he is literally taking the curse on his head to reverse it and restore the blessing. 

C. Vulnerability on the cross

The paradox of the cross is that on it hangs our vulnerability.

(1) The cross is the symbol of vulnerability that provides healing: The first reading (Numbers 21:4-9) shows how the Israelites, bitten by serpents due to their lack of faith, are saved by looking at the bronze serpent lifted up by Moses. This foreshadows Christ’s own lifting up on the cross in John 3:13-17, where He is offered as a remedy for sin. Just as the Israelites found healing in something that seemed like a curse (a serpent), we find redemption through Christ’s crucifixion – a symbol of vulnerability and weakness. It is through this vulnerability that God’s love and mercy are exalted, as the very thing that looks like defeat becomes the instrument of salvation.

(2) The cross as the ultimate act of humility: In the alternative reading (Philippians 2:6-11), St. Paul tells us that Christ “emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave” and “became obedient to death, even death on a cross.” The cross reveals the vulnerability of God who chose to become one of us, suffer, and die for our sake. It is in this self-emptying love that Christ is exalted. His humility – descending into human frailty – becomes the path to glory, showing us that in our weakness, we too can share in His exaltation. True power is not in domination but in humble, sacrificial love.

(3) The cross as the path to new life: In the gospel reading, we hear the familiar words: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” The cross is the ultimate expression of this love – a vulnerable gift that brings eternal life to all who believe. The exaltation of the cross reminds us that vulnerability and suffering, when embraced with faith, lead to resurrection and new life. We are called to embrace our own crosses, trusting that God transforms our suffering and weakness into opportunities for grace and redemption.

The cross stands as a paradox of strength in vulnerability, victory in suffering, and life in death. It is a reminder that God’s greatest power is revealed in what the world sees as weakness. Through the exaltation of the cross, we are invited to follow this path of humble love, trusting that we too will be lifted up in Christ.