THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

Constantine was converted by vision of Cross.      Heraculius rescued the True Cross.

 

The finding of the True Cross,

Agnolo Gaddi, Florence, 1380.

THE EXALTATION OF 

 

THE HOLY CROSS

GREATER DOUBLE / RED

This feast
commemorates both the dedication of the basilica built by Constantine
for the Holy Sepulcher, and also the return of the True Cross to
Jerusalem by Emperor Heraclius of Judea during the seventh century.
After Heraclius had recovered it by force from King Chosroes of Persia,
he tried to carry it along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, but was unable
to make any headway. Bishop Zachary of Jerusalem, pointing to his
luxurious clothing, said, "Attired in these rich robes, you are far from
imitating the poverty of Jesus Christ and His humility in bearing His
Cross." The Emperor caught the hint--and went on to Calvary barefooted
and wearing a simple cloak, carried the holy Cross to the Basilica on
Calvary [A.D. 629].



INTROIT Gal. 6:14

But it is fitting that we should
glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is salvation,
life, and resurrection for us, by whom we are saved and delivered.

Ps. 66:2. May God have mercy on us and bless us; may He let His face shine upon us; and may He have mercy upon us.

V. Glory be . . .



COLLECT

O God, today's feast of the Exaltation
of the Holy Cross fills us each year with joy. May we, who have known
its mystery on earth, also be worthy to enjoy in heaven the happiness
which it has purchased for us. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord .
. .



EPISTLE Philipp. 2:5-11

Brethren: For let this mind be in you,
which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, thought
it not robbery to be equal with God: But emptied himself, taking the
form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit
found as a man. He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even
to the death of the cross. For which cause, God also hath exalted him
and hath given him a name which is above all names: That in the name of
Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth,
and under the earth: And that every tongue should confess that the Lord
Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.



GRADUAL Philipp. 2:8, 9

For us Christ became obedient to death, even to death on a cross.

V. Therefore God also has exalted Him and has bestowed upon Him the name that is above every name.



Alleluia, alleluia! V.

O sweet wood, O sweet nails! O precious
the burden suspended thereon! You alone are worthy to bear the king
and Lord of heaven. Alleluia!



GOSPEL John 12:31-36

At that time, Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews,"Now
is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be
cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things
to myself." (Now this he said,
signifying what death he should die.) The multitude answered him: "We
have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever. And how sayest
thou: The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?" Jesus
therefore said to them: "Yet
a little while, the light is among you. Walk whilst you have the
light, and the darkness overtake you not. And he that walketh in
darkness knoweth not whither be goeth. Whilst you have the light,
believe in the light, that you may be the children of light."



OFFERTORY ANTIPHON

By the sign of the holy cross, O Lord,
protect Your people from the deceits of their every foe, that our
service may be pleasing to You and our offering acceptable, alleluia!



SECRET 

O Lord our God, we are preparing to
receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who brought honor
to the symbol of the cross. We are privileged to venerate this same holy
cross; grant that we may also enjoy for all eternity the salvation it
has purchased for us. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .



COMMUNION HYMN

Deliver us from our enemies, O God, by the sign of the cross.



POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

Be close to us, O Lord our God, and
with Your unfailing help defend those who rejoice in the glory of Your
holy cross. Through our Lord . . .