Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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

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”

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.

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.

Meditation from Pope Francis

Read the text of the homily Pope Francis gave for the feast of the Triumph of the Cross in 2013. He speaks of the mystery of the Cross and how it relates to the tree of Paradise.