Exaltation of the Holy Crosss

Today our Scriptures invite us to “lift high the cross” that its healing light might illumine our need for the mercy it offers and give us the strength and courage we need to name and face our demons.

At this table, prepared in the shadow of the cross, we share in the meal Christ prepared for us first by offering his body and blood on the cross, his innocent life for the forgiveness of our sins.

May the sacrifice of his body and blood, broken and poured out for us in the eucharist, remind us of the sacrifice he offered for us and in his name.

May the cross of Christ, lifted in glory, be our hope, our life and our peace.

Preface for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
You decreed that we should be saved through the wood of the cross.
The tree of our defeat became our tree of victory;
where life was lost, there life has been restored
through Christ our Lord...

God of Glory,
the Cross shines as a sign
of obedience to your will
and a symbol of your love
for the world.

Bless us who find salvation
in the cross of Christ;
may we always recognize his glory
in the weak, suffering and condemned of the world.
We ask this through Christ, crucified and exalted,
who is Lord forever and ever.
Amen.