The Gospel for this Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross begins as Jesus is talking with Nicodemus. Jesus tells Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man, and just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up. Then everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

Did Nicodemus understand what Jesus was saying? Or was he wondering what on earth Jesus was talking about? However, Jesus continues: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world so that the world might be saved through him.” 

What a wondrous gift God and Jesus have given us and continue to give us! The love God and Jesus has for us is beyond our comprehension. On this feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, let us  meditate on God’s love for us. Then also reflect on Jesus’ gift to humankind. He literally gave His life for us. However, do we truly appreciate His gift? Or do we simply take it for granted?

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