The Triumph of the Cross

On Tuesday we celebrate the ancient feast of ‘The Triumph of the Cross’. The origins of the feast go back to the finding of the relic of the true cross by St. Helena, but the feast is far more than a celebration of recovering lost property. The readings and the preface of the Mass draw us into the mystery at the heart of every celebration and the mystery at the very hear of our faith itself - the cross.

Unlike some other religions and unlike philosophy, the Christian receives no ‘answer’ to the mystery of suffering and death, rather he or she receives a person - Jesus Christ. We believe that in this man’s suffering and death lies the meaning of all suffering and death. This particular event has universal significance. Through his cross and resurrection Jesus brings not an ‘answer’ but hope, and the possibility of sharing in his victory.

As Catholics we are very familiar with the crucifix - perhaps too familiar? Take some time on Tuesday to gaze on the cross and realise the truth that it shows: ‘Lord by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free. You are the saviour of the world’. P.D