Daily Gospel Reflection for September 14, 2019 - Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Today's Gospel: John 3:13-17 - Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross “Jesus loves me, this I know / for the Bible tells me so!” are familiar words sung to every child. They are planted deep into the soul, so that as the child grows older they never forget. The words are simple, yet profound. And in time, these words come alive in their hearts. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross recognizes this great love today. “Why did God make me? God made me to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him and to be happy one day with Him in heaven.” These words are quoted by every Catholic who learned the faith from the old Baltimore Catechism. They were drilled into them, recited and lived, and never forgotten. The song, the catechism, and the gospel are all saying the same thing. God loves us, so much that He died just for me. The words are simple enough for even a child to understand, yet so profound that often adults miss the message. We cannot ever understand how deep God’s love is unless we get to know Him for ourselves. To know God is to love Him, because God is love. Our hope is one day to be happy with Him in heaven, but our life is spent knowing Him and then loving Him by serving others. When a mom selflessly lays down her life for her children she gives us a glimpse of the love that God has for us in sending His Son to die upon the Cross. Children may not realize what loving sacrifices have been made for them until they become parents themselves. This simple yet profound message of God’s love is only understood as it is lived. Isn’t that the way with love? It is unexplainable, and can only be understood when experienced.

Ponder:

My husband, Deacon Patrick says, “God is infinite, so there is always more to know about Him.” But even more important, what can you do to know God better?

Pray:

Dear God, I just want to know, love, and serve You, and be happy one day with You in heaven. When I see the Cross, fill me with gratitude for all you have done for me!