Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

This day celebrates the cross as a sign of Christ’s victory over sin and death for us. It is also called the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. The cross is not a sign of defeat, but a sign of redemption.

Table of Contents

The daily Mass readings for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

First Reading – Numbers 21-4b-9: “Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and if any who have been bitten look at it, they will live.”
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 78: “Do not forget the works of the Lord!”
Second Reading – Philippians 2:6-11: “he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.”
Gospel – John 3:13-17: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life”

Resources for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

What does the passion of Jesus mean for us?

Top ideas for Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Washed Away Prayer Service

This prayer service makes a nice accompaniment to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It could also be used for a youth ministry meeting about forgiveness or baptism. #YouthMinistry #forgiven

What Is My Cross? Reflection and Small Group Discussion Questions

This youth ministry reflection on Matthew 16:21-27 helps teens understand what it means to “take up your cross” and gives them some concrete ideas of how they can do this. This reflection would work well in conjunction with Stations of…

What Is the Paschal Mystery?

The Paschal Mystery is God’s plan for the salvation of mankind, as fulfilled in the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has shown us that death does not have the final word.