How does an instrument of execution become something the Church exalts? The readings reach back to a bronze serpent in the desert and forward to the Son of Man lifted up.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14) celebrates the cross of Christ as the instrument of our salvation. In The Mass Readings Explained, Dr. Brant Pitre walks through the readings and shows how the cross, an instrument of death, becomes the source of life.
Numbers recounts the bronze serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness, so that all who looked on it would live (Numbers 21:4–9); Paul hymns Christ who humbled himself to death on a cross and was therefore exalted and given the name above every name (Philippians 2:6–11); and in the Gospel, Jesus tells Nicodemus that as Moses lifted up the serpent, so the Son of Man must be lifted up—"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son" (John 3:13–17). Pitre traces the link between the serpent, the crucifixion, and 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.
Key passages & sources examined: the bronze serpent lifted up in the wilderness (Numbers 21); the Christ-hymn of humiliation and exaltation (Philippians 2); the Son of Man "lifted up" (John 3:14); "God so loved the world" (John 3:16).
What are the Mass readings for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross? Numbers 21:4b–9; Psalm 78:1–2, 34–38; Philippians 2:6–11; and the Gospel, John 3:13–17.
What is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross? A feast on September 14 honoring the cross of Christ as the means of our redemption.
How does the bronze serpent connect to the cross? As those bitten in the wilderness looked on the bronze serpent and lived, so those who look in faith to the crucified Christ are saved.
What does John 3:16 proclaim? "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son"—the heart of the gospel proclaimed in the day's reading.
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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.
