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God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.
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We recall that when the Israelites feared that God would allow them to starve in the desert, God sent them manna and quail to eat. In today's reading, the people are once again complaining because they are bored with the food God has provided. This time the response to their complaints is an invasion of poisonous snakes. When the people repent, Moses intercedes for them. The Lord instructs him to make a bronze serpent and mount it on a pole. Those who had been bitten had only to look at the bronze serpent and they would be healed.
This story prepares us for today's gospel. It is a sign of One who will be lifted up on a tree to heal and save all who believe in him.
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What complaints do people your age make about being bored? In what ways might you complain against or rebel against God? Why do you think the Israelites continued to criticize God's care for them? How did God both correct them and continue to show his abiding love for them?
Look again at the last sentence of the reading. What event in the life of Jesus might Christians be reminded of by this story? Why do you think the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation or Triumph of the Holy Cross?
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The noble deeds of a great hero are often praised in song. This poetic reading may well have been a hymn of the early Christians who wanted to praise Jesus Christ. They were astounded that the Son of God had come "in human likeness" and had "humbled himself" to die on a cross. They were grateful that Jesus had laid down his life for our salvation. With great love, they honored his name on bended knee and proclaimed him to be the Lord.
On this day celebrating the cross of Jesus Christ, we too praise and honor him for "becoming obediant to death" for our sake.
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Paul's message to the people of Philippi is very warm and affirming, assuring them of his prayers. Have you ever received a message like that? Who sent it? How did it make you feel?
Even though our lives may be very busy, sometimes sending a short prayerful message by email or an e-card can be as meaningful as a letter. Who do you think might benefit from receiving a message like that from you and your classmates? As a group, plan how you will send encouraging messages like St. Paul's.
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The bronze serpent that Moses lifted up on a pole is called in the Book of Wisdom "a sign of salvation.” By looking up at it, those who had been poisoned were saved. Jesus in today's gospel compares his own death on the cross to the way in which God saved the people through Moses. So that all may have eternal life, Jesus must be lifted up. Out of love, God sent his Son not to judge but to save all who would believe in him.
We know that after Jesus was lifted up at the crucifixion, he was lifted up in the resurrection. Today we celebrate the Holy Cross that led to our salvation and the glorious victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death.
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In this gospel reading, Jesus is speaking to a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Nicodemus was not yet a believer and did not understand what Jesus was saying. Imagine that you are explaining to someone who knows nothing about the Christian faith how Jesus had to be lifted on the cross. What questions might the person ask? How would you respond? If the person wondered why there is a crucifix in every Catholic Church, what explanation would you give?
Share your ideas about how we can express our devotion to the holy cross.
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| Proclaiming Faith Activity |
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Living the Sunday and Holy Day Readings
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One way to honor the holy cross is to invest your own originality and artistic skills in constructing one. With your group or the entire class, consider the following "starter" suggestions. Add your own ideas. Choose and carry out a cross construction project.
1) Use any available tree branches bound with twine, heavy tape, and ribbons.
2) Use heavy poster board to construct a six-foot cross. Cover it with cut-out pictures of people serving those who are suffering in today's world.
3) Use assorted craft papers and foils to make a mosaic cross.
4) If palms are available, weave the fronds into crosses of various sizes.
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The name of Jesus is to be honored above every other name. Brainstorm ways of honoring Jesus' name in prayer, body language, song, poetry, on web sites, and with other signs of reverence.
Choose one of these ways of honoring the name and carry it out. |
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