SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 – THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

• Exaltation of the Holy Cross (335). (Current, Traditional, Eastern Calendar (Melkite and Greek Catholic)) also relevant to 629 when found again
• St. Maternus (95). Bishop. (Historical)
• St. Notburga (1313). Patron or Patroness, Virgin. Patroness of peasants, servants, and the poor. (Historical)

CONSTANTINE was still wavering between Christianity and idolatry when a luminous cross appeared to him in the heavens, bearing the inscription, “In this sign shalt thou conquer.” He became a Christian, and triumphed over his enemies, who were, at the same time, the enemies of the faith. A few years later, his saintly mother having found the cross on which our Saviour suffered, the feast of the “Exaltation” was established in the Church; but it was only at a later period still, namely, after the Emperor Heraclius had achieved three great and wondrous victories over Chosroes, King of Persia, who had possessed him. self of the holy and precious relic, that this festival took a more general extension, and was invested with a higher character of solemnity. The feast of the “Finding” was thereupon instituted, in memory of the discovery made by St. Helena; and that of the “Exaltation” was reserved to celebrate the triumphs of Heraclius. The greatest power of the Catholic world was at that time centered in the Empire of the East, and was verging toward its ruin, when God put forth his hand to save it: the reestablishment of the Cross at Jerusalem was the sure pledge thereof. This great event occurred in 629.

REFLECTION: Herein is found the accomplishment of the Savior’s word: “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all things to myself.”

WORD OF THE DAY

INVOCATION OF SAINTS. Asking the saints for assistance in temporal or spiritual need. Its basis is the intimate communion that exists between the blessed in heaven and the faithful on earth. The saints are invoked in order to obtain their intercession before the throne of God, and this corresponds to the familiar practice on earth of asking people to pray for us. Since the more holy a person is, the more effective his prayers, the saints in heaven are extraordinarily powerful intercessors with God. It is a matter of divine faith, implicit in Sacred Scripture and explicit in Catholic tradition, that the faithful may profitably invoke the saints in heaven. According to the Second Vatican Council, "It is not merely by the title of example that we cherish the memory of those in heaven…It is most fitting that we love those friends and co-heirs of Jesus Christ who are also our brothers and outstanding benefactors, and that we give due thanks to God for them, humbly invoking them, and having recourse to their prayers, their aid and help in obtaining from God through His Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord, our only Redeemer and Savior, the benefits we need" (Constitution on the Church, VII, 50).

Modern Catholic Dictionary, Fr. John Hardon SJ (Get the real one at Eternal Life — don’t accept an abridged or edited version of this masterpiece!)

This article, SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 – THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. is a post from The Bellarmine Forum.
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