How can an instrument of execution become a source of life? On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the readings trace the Cross back to a bronze serpent lifted up in the desert.
On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the readings meditate on the saving power of the Cross. In The Mass Readings Explained, Dr. Brant Pitre walks through these readings and shows how a strange episode from the Exodus, an ancient hymn about Christ, and Jesus' own words in John 3 converge on the mystery of the Son of Man "lifted up."
He examines the bronze serpent of Numbers 21, which Moses set on a pole so that all who looked on it would live; the hymn of Philippians 2, tracing Christ's descent from "equality with God" to death on a cross and his exaltation; and John 3:13-17, where Jesus reads the bronze serpent as a type of his own crucifixion—"as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up"—so that whoever believes may have eternal life.
GOSPEL, FIRST READING & PSALM TRANSCRIPT (Subscribe or Login for Full Transcript):
September 14th is the Solemnity of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and this is one of those feasts, one of those solemnities in the Roman calendar that is so significant that when it falls on a Sunday, it actually will replace the Sunday Mass. And so the Church celebrates it every year on the 14th, but on years when that date will fall on a Sunday, the Church will come together even at Sunday Mass to commemorate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
The Readings for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel: John 3:13-17
Key passages & sources examined: the bronze serpent lifted on a pole, "everyone who sees it shall live" (Num 21:4-9; cf. Gen 3; 2 Kings 18:4); "do not forget the works of the Lord" (Ps 78); Christ's self-emptying and exaltation (Phil 2:6-11); "as Moses lifted up the serpent... so must the Son of Man be lifted up" (John 3:13-17; cf. Dan 7:13-14); Bede on the typology.
What are the Mass readings for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross? Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38; Philippians 2:6-11; and the Gospel, John 3:13-17.
What is the Gospel for this feast? John 3:13-17, on the Son of Man being lifted up so that everyone who believes may have eternal life.
How does the Old Testament reading connect to the Cross? Numbers 21 tells of the bronze serpent Moses lifted up so that those who looked on it were healed—which the Gospel reads as a type of Christ lifted up on the Cross.
What does the reading from Philippians add? The hymn of Christ's self-emptying—his descent to death on a cross and his exaltation by the Father (Philippians 2:6-11).
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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
