In Exaltatione Sanctae Crucis

On the (day after the) Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Last night's celebration of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite at my parish here in Sugar Land was awesome. And, there was great interest! Onward for the Reform of the Reform! And watching my pastor celebrate mass ad orientem was most awesome... ;)

As we know, yesterday was the great feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Let us not forget the power that comes with the Cross. We recall this each time we make the sign of the Cross.

From St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures, Lecture XIII, 36, 4th century:

Let us not then be ashamed to confess the Crucified. Be the Cross our seal made with boldness by our fingers on our brow, and on everything; over the bread we eat, and the cups we drink; in our comings in, and goings out; before our sleep, when we lie down and when we rise up; when we are in the way, and when we are still. Great is that preservative; it is without price, for the sake of the poor; without toil, for the sick; since also its grace is from God. It is the Sign of the faithful, and the dread of devils: for He "triumphed over them in it, having made a shew of them openly" (Col. 2:15); for when they see the Cross they are reminded of the Crucified; they are afraid of Him, "who bruised the heads of the dragon" (Psalm 74:13). Despise not the Seal, because of the freeness of the gift; out for this rather honour thy Benefactor.

Let us take these words to heart and realize the rich meaning behind making the sign of the Cross. Never do it lightly. Never treat it as a meaningless gesture.

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti