Holy Cross Day

When in 335 Constantine ordered the erection of a basilica in Jerusalem on the site of the crucifixion, the excavations uncovered three crosses, one of which, tradition tells us, was the cross of Jesus, and from that point people made pilgrimages to see it. But in the early seventh century, the Persians ransacked Jerusalem, taking the cross’s remains with them. Then the emperor Heraclitus became convinced he must go to battle to recover the holy relic. This he did, and when he in a great ceremony tried to carry it up the hill to its holy place, he found that he could not, until he removed the royal robes and pomp, removed his shoes, and began again in humility to ascend the hill. This time he easily did so. Whether that legend is true or not, it illustrates the importance of Christian humility in the face of the cross. Let us all approach life itself with humility and a faithful desire to honor the Crucified. Sermon for Holy Cross Day.