Exaltation of the Cross
by VP
Posted on Saturday September 14, 2024 at 12:00AM in From the Past
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross.*-Greater-double.-Red vestments.
On September 14, in 335, took place the dedication of Constantine's basilica which enclosure contained both Calvary and the Holy Sepulcher. "At this date," says Etheria, "the cross was discovered. And the anniversary is celebrated with as much solemnity as Easter or the Epiphany.' Such was the origin of the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. "When I shall be raised on high, I shall draw everything unto Me" (Gospel), Jesus had said. It is because the Savior humbled Himself, being obedient even to the death of the cross, that God exalted Him and gave Him a name above all other names (Epistle). Wherefore we must glory in the cross of Jesus, for He is our life and our salvation (Introit) and He protects His servants against the wiles of their enemies (Offertory, Communion, Postcommunion).
Towards the end of the reign of Phocas, Chosroes, King of Persia, says the legend of the Breviary, took Jerusalem, where he put to death several thousand Christians and carried off to Persia the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, which Helen had deposited on Mount Calvary.
Heraclius the successor of Phocas, had recourse to many fasts and prayers, imploring with great fervor the help of God. He assembled an army and defeated Chosroes. He then insisted on the restitution of the cross of the Lord. Thus was recovered the precious relic after an interval of fourteen years. On his return to Jerusalem, Heraclius carried it on his shoulders in great pomp to the mountain where the Savior Himself had borne it.
An extraordinary miracle marked the occasion. Heraclius who was loaded with ornaments of gold and precious stones was held back by an invincible force at the entrance gate of Mount Calvary, in vain were his efforts to enter.
As the Emperor and all those who witnessed the scene were astounded, Zacharias, Bishop of Jerusalem, said to him: "Consider, O Emperor, that with these triumphal ornaments you are far from imitating the poverty of Jesus Christ and His humility in bearing His Cross." Heraclius thereupon doffed his splendid garb and walked barefooted with a common cloak on his shoulders, to Calvary, where he again deposited the Cross. The feast of the exaltation of the holy Cross on the original spot, the anniversary of which was celebrated on this day, became of great importance.
Let us join, in spirit, the faithful who in the Church of Holy Cross at Rome venerate on this day the relics of the sacred wood exposed for the occasion, so that, having been privileged to adore it on this feast when we rejoice for its exaltation, we may likewise possess for all eternity the salvation and glory the Cross has won for us. (Collect, Secret.)
Daily Missal with Vespers for Sundays & Feasts by Catholic Church, Gaspar Lefebvre 1924
Mother of Mercy, Washington, NC
Hail, O Cross! tree of life! noble and noted!
Banner, throne, altar to Jesus devoted!
Cross! to unholy
Men both death and terror,
To Christians truly
Art thou virtue’s mirror,
Safety, victory, all-divine!
Thou, when he hurried
Against Maxentius’ horde;
Thou, when he carried
By Danube’s shores the sword,
Glory wast to Constantine!
Chosroes and his son
Through thee were overthrown,
For Heraclius fighting:
Well may Christians glory
In this tree’s true story,
In such balms delighting!
Length and breadth, Cross! blending
With height, depth, far-reaching,
Thou, four ways extending,
Precious truths thus teaching,
Savest earth’s four quarters.
Balm with true health gifted!
On the Cross-scales lifted,
Christ was there extended,
As the price expended
To redeem death’s charters.
The Cross the balance is to weigh our right,
Our Monarch’s scepter and His rod of might;
The sign of Heaven’s own victory in the fight,
Our strength in war and glory’s palm-branch bright!
Ladder! raft! upbearing
Hearts through grief despairing!
Their last plank, when drowning!
Thou Christ’s beauty sharest,
Since His limbs thou barest,
Cross! the crown kings crowning.
Through thee, Cross! with blessings freighted!
Cross, by Christ’s blood consecrated!
May the grace of God most high
Deathless joys to us supply!
Amen.
Source:
The Liturgical Poetry of Adam of St. Victor From the Text of Gautier,
Vol. III. Kegan Paul, Trench, & Co. (London: 1881).pp. 2-5.
