EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS: Gospel Reflections for this Sunday

Gospel Reading: John 3:13-17
As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.

According to Evangelist John in his Gospel, Jesus’ death on the cross as well as His resurrection and return to the Father are one event. For Him, the Cross is a sign of Exaltation. The serpent that Moses lifted up in the desert to offer healing to those injured by snake bites prefigures Jesus’ being lifted up on the cross, bringing salvation.

The Eternal Life offered to us by God through Jesus is not merely a life without end, but life lived in the unending presence of God. That is why it can begin now in this life. The world to which God sends the Son is not a place but those people who are at odds with Jesus and God. Jesus is sent to this world as a gift. Only believers accept the gift.

Finally, God’s judgment on the world is not a future cosmic event but a present reality. God sent the Son out of love for the world. However, the world has to decide to accept Him. Those who accept Him have Eternal Life at the moment of the decision. Those who reject Him don’t.

(Courtesy: Loyola Press)