The cross is everywhere, literally. Not only is it in churches, but it is even used as a fashion accessory, and many of us like to wear it on our chest. It is important to remember the true meaning of that cross.

For Christians, the cross is a sign of love, and to celebrate it is to remember that there is no greater proof of love than giving our own life for our friends. When we feel that this love is beyond our strength, we look at it and see that Jesus has already been there. Our Lord experienced true human suffering, uniting himself with us, that we would never suffer alone. How much hope can grow within us just by contemplating the Cross!

This why we exalt it! This month we celebrate the exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14, and with it our liberation.

Over the past year, in particular, we’ve been experiencing many difficult days. In addition to the suffering of the sick and families who have lost loved ones, we have been deprived at times of celebrating the Holy Eucharist. Let us take this day to remember our own paschal journey over the past year. See, with the heart, how it is that Jesus has been by my side on the cross, as he is showing me that all of our suffering is just temporary, and that a new life awaits me beyond it. Let’s celebrate the Holy Cross, which gave us life and showed that evil does not have the last word!

Joana Peixoto
Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network – Portugal