Exalting in our Crosses – Sep 14 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Sep 14, 2024, on how Christian joy comes through suffering, drawing from St. Paul's teaching in Colossians 1:24, and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.

Father began by reflecting on St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, particularly Colossians 1:24 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/1?24, where Paul talks about rejoicing in sufferings. He highlighted how suffering and joy are intertwined for Christians. This theme is reinforced in James 1:2-4 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/1?2 and 1 Peter 4:12-13 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/4?12, where both apostles urge believers to consider trials as opportunities for spiritual growth.

Father then spoke about the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross and how the Cross, once a symbol of defeat, became a sign of triumph through Jesus' sacrifice. He referred to the story of Constantine’s vision of the Cross, leading to his victory and conversion, highlighting that God allows evil only to bring about greater good. He cited St. Augustine, who called the Cross both a bed of death and a chair of teaching.

The homily also touched on suffering as a purifying and transformative experience, as emphasized in Romans 12:2 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/12?2. Father explained how suffering helps detach us from worldly things, referencing 1 John 2:15 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/2?15 and John 3:16 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?16 to distinguish between sinful attachments and the love of God.

Father further explained that love and suffering are closely connected, citing 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/13?4 on the nature of love. Jesus' love for humanity was demonstrated through His suffering on the Cross. Father reminded the congregation that our own sufferings are redemptive when united with Christ, as stated in Romans 8:16-17 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8?16.

The homily concluded by encouraging the faithful to embrace their crosses, seek detachment from unnecessary burdens, and turn to the Lord in times of trial, just as St. Paul did in Acts 9:4-5 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/9?4.
Colossians 1:24 - St. Paul on suffering for the Church - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/1?24
James 1:2-4 - Trials bring perseverance and joy - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/1?2
1 Peter 4:12-13 - Rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/4?12
Romans 12:2 - Renewal of the mind in Christ - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/12?2
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - St. Paul's description of love - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/13?4
Romans 8:16-17 - Suffering with Christ to share in glory - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8?16

Ave Maria!

00:00 – Introduction
00:09 – St. Paul's Message on Suffering
00:30 – Rejoicing in Trials and Faith
00:50 – St. James and St. Peter on Trials
01:42 – The Paradox of the Cross
02:12 – Discovery of the True Cross
03:06 – The Cross as a Sign of Triumph
04:02 – Embracing the Cross in Life
04:49 – Suffering and Spiritual Growth
06:03 – The Renewal of the Mind
07:02 – Detachment from Worldly Attachments
09:19 – Love and Suffering in Christ
12:17 – The Promise of Eternal Joy

Mass: Triumph of the Holy Cross - Feast - http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04529a.htm
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091424.cfm
1st: num 21:4-9
Resp: psa 78:1-2, 34-38
2nd: phi 2:6-11
Gsp: joh 3:13-17

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1153

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