The Exaltation of the Lord’s Cross (Eph. 5:20–26; Lk. 3:23–4:1)

In the middle of Great Lent, the precious Cross is presented for veneration, to encourage those who labor in the fast to bear patiently the yoke they have taken up until the end—but why is this done in September? Did it happen so by chance? Providence in its wisdom, which orders all things, knows no chance. Here is why: in September the fields are harvested, at least in our land. Thus, so that some Christians might not say in a feeling of abundance, ”Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry” (Lk. 12:19), and so that others might not lose heart from scarcity—the raised Cross is set before the eyes of all. It reminds the first that the foundation of well-being is not possessions, but the inward Christian bearing of the cross, even when outward circumstances, by God’s goodness, are easy; and it encourages the second to acquire their souls through patience, inspiring them with the certainty that from the cross one goes straight to Paradise. Therefore, let some endure patiently, hoping that they travel a smoothed road toward the Kingdom of Heaven; while others savor their outward comforts with fear, lest they close the entrance to heaven for themselves.