On September 14th, we celebrated the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, also known as the Triumph of the Cross.
We commemorate the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, in the 4th century. Helena, Helena, while traveling to Jerusalem, discovered the Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. The True Cross was then exalted or lifted up for veneration.
We continue to be lifted up at Daylesford abbey by the Norbertine priests and those who pray and work with them.
Reminded in the Responsorial Psalm, we are not to forget but to remember the works of the Lord. The Norbertine priests at Daylesford Abbey remember the works of the Lord each day as they pray the Liturgy of the Hours, celebrate Mass, and spend time in prayer and meditation.
We are moved even further by the Gospel of the day. “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.” For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”
Saving the world often seems like an impossible task. Where can we start? How can we do this?
Becoming involved with others is an important first step. We have the opportunity by joining the Norbertine priests in Mass, by making time for prayer, for reflecting on the works of God in our daily lives.
We are provided with many opportunities to get involved, to make a difference by the Norbertine priests at Daylesford Abbey. We are invited to share in their “style” of common prayer, marked both by a spirit of contemplation and hospitality. People who pray with them regularly can also serve in the several liturgical ministries that make our worship possible.
We can be moved to action, along with even more important, action and involvement with others. We are provided with many opportunists for action by the Norbertine priests.
We can get involved in the Bethesda Project, a major ministry to the homeless of Philadelphia — It serves over 2000 different individuals per year.
Involvement in Daylesford Abbey in Outreach ministry is another possibility. The members focus on their community’s commitment to serving those in need, especially to three groups.
First, collecting non-perishable food each Sunday at our Mass that is then delivered to St. Gabriel’s Food Cupboard.
Second, providing support for the homeless through our ministry at Bethesda Project, both in collecting and delivering casseroles each month and with a special collection throughout Lent and Holy Week.
Third, supporting Mission Santa Maria as it ministers to the migrant community in Chester County, both with monthly deliveries of non-perishable food as well as a special collection throughout Advent.
Doing tasks at home is another option.
Consider surrounding your family’s cross/crucifix with flowers of autumn foliage. Or even visiting the grave with a loved one and leaving flowers or autumn leaves.
Consider placing this cross/crucifix on your meal table for the coming week.
Go for a walk and gather some twigs or branches and then form them into a cross tied by yarn or string.
Acquiring/purchasing several pieces of wood , 2 inches by 12 inches, (larger if possible) at a local craft store or lumber store. Connect those two pieces of wood in a cross, connected by yarn or string, and then placing on the cross photos of loved ones who have died. Place this cross on your dining table or coffee table and invite family members to share their stories about loved one’s who have died. Consider asking those gathered to share what gifts they remember from their departed loved ones.
Tears are OK, for they reveal the relationships of those gone before us. We are invited in the Responsorial Psalm to “Not forget the works of the Lord.” This is an opportunity for us to remember and share the works of family members who have gone before us.
The Gospel reminds us that ”For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son Jesus.
Following Jesus, we too can share his love. Let the sharing begin!