Messages from the Gospel: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Introduction to the Gospel Reading

• The reading is taken from the Gospel of John, chapter 3, verses 13-17, where Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about salvation and eternal life.

• Key message: God sent His Son not to condemn but to save the world through Him. This emphasizes God's love for humanity.

Significance of May 3rd

• May 3rd is celebrated in Colombia and parts of Latin America as the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, commemorating an ancient tradition regarding Saint Helena's discovery of the true cross in Jerusalem.

• This day highlights a beautiful devotion to the Holy Cross within these cultures.

Reflection on the Cross

• The speaker reflects on Jesus' sacrificial love and introduces a text by Saint Louis de Montfort titled "Letter to Friends of the Cross." It discusses choosing one's cross wisely among three types represented at Calvary: wise, penitent, and reprobate crosses.

The Three Types of Crosses

1. The Wise Cross

• Represents Jesus’ cross and that of saints; it symbolizes redemptive suffering.

• Just as Moses lifted up a serpent for healing, Christ will be lifted up for salvation (John 3:14).

2. The Penitent Cross

• Reflects suffering borne out of repentance and acknowledgment of sin.

3. The Reprobate Cross

• Represents suffering without purpose or redemption.

Understanding Suffering Through Wisdom

• The wise cross signifies understanding pain as part of divine design; it transforms suffering into something meaningful rather than merely punitive or negative.

• Historical context: In Old Testament times, hanging on a tree was seen as cursed; however, through Christ’s crucifixion, this curse becomes a source of blessing and redemption for believers.

Importance of Redemption

• Humanity inherited sin from Adam and Eve; thus only an infinite being could redeem us—this is why God incarnated Himself in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins. This act allows believers to attain eternal life (John 3:16).

Embracing Suffering Like Saints

• Saints embraced their sufferings similarly to Christ—not due to personal failings but often due to external injustices or hatred.

• They transformed their pain into redemptive offerings rather than succumbing to bitterness or anger against others. Their example encourages believers today to unite their own sufferings with Christ’s for greater spiritual value.

Conclusion on Suffering

• While advocating for justice against evil actions in society is essential, it’s also crucial to accept inevitable suffering in life.

Cruz y Conversión Understanding the Cross and Repentance

La Cruz del Santo

• El santo es aquel que sigue a Cristo con fidelidad, cargando su cruz hasta el Calvario.

• No todos somos sabios o santos; algunos somos penitentes que desean seguir a Cristo.

La Cruz del Penitente

• Esta cruz representa el dolor vivido como reparación por los propios pecados.

• El penitente reconoce su condición de pecador y busca la conversión, ofreciendo sus lágrimas como purificación.

• Se invita a ofrecer el dolor personal a la cruz de Jesús en una oración sencilla para reparar los pecados cometidos.

• Los sufrimientos físicos, espirituales o morales pueden ser ofrecidos en reparación por nuestros pecados.

La Cruz del Reprobo

• Representa al mal ladrón que vive el dolor como una maldición y no busca repararlo.

• En lugar de convertir su dolor en un camino hacia Dios, reniega y se dedica a cuestionar Su existencia.

• Para algunos, el dolor se convierte en un signo de condenación en vez de un medio para la conversión.

Reflexiones Finales

• Se hace un llamado a vivir la cruz con sabiduría y valentía, buscando siempre la conversión auténtica.