Daily Gospel Reflection for September 14, 2016 - Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Today's Gospel: John 3, 13-17 - Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Have you known the sadness of a phone call? Cancer. Stage four. No treatment options. Palliative care. Anger. Grief. Going through each day, holding on tightly to the hours and minutes that remain. According to Yasmin Mogahed, “We hold on so tightly because we are terrified of loss. We hold on till our hands bleed. And in that self-shattering persistence, we fail to see the answer: Just let go.” And as Christians, if we do let go and let God, trusting in His promise and our belief in Him, we can find hope in even the darkest hours.

Through Jesus’ death we might have eternal life. “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (Jn. 3:17). The cross is a symbol of the ultimate hope: forgiveness for our sins and a gateway to eternal life. All that is required of us is to believe in the power of the cross. And through our faith we get to share in the greatest love of all time: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (Jn 3-16). In this ultimate demonstration of His love for us, we can find peace.

God was there at the cross. He had a plan. So, when we answer a phone call filled with bad news, we need to remember that he is with us too. He has a plan for us too. And with faith, He can lead us out of any darkness and into the light. Through our belief, we will overcome our earthly trials. Look to the cross. Through the sacrifice of His Son, God forgives us our sins and loves us. And by our belief and God’s mercy, one day we will all be welcomed with open arms, as children returning home. It is through Christ that we can let go, knowing He never will.

Ponder:

Is there something in your life that you are terrified to lose? What good would come of you loosening your grip and focusing your energy on the cross? How might that change your days, hours and minutes?

Pray:

Heavenly Father, we pray for Your love to lift us up when our spirits are broken and our bodies are weak. Help us to praise You through our hardships, as You surround us in your light, so that we might find peace. We ask this through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Copyright 2016 Rhonda and Denys Vuch

Rhonda and Denys Vuch share love and hardship, as they journey together in picturesque Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are fortunate to share their journey with one loving son, two joyful puppies and a strong faith community. This opportunity to write together was a blessing.