Thoughts for the Day

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.

Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

What is 'Holy Cross Day'? According to 'Exciting Holiness' (Collects and readings for Festivals), this day remembers:

• 'The cross on which our Lord was crucified has become the universal symbol for Christianity, replacing the fish symbol of the early church, though the latter has been revived in recent times. After the end of the persecution era, early in the fourth century, pilgrims began to travel to Jerusalem to visit and pray at the places associated with the life of Jesus. Helena, the mother of the Emperor was a Christian, and, whilst overseeing excavations in the city, is said to have uncovered a cross, which many believed to be the Cross of Christ. A basilica was built on the site of the Holy Sepulchre and dedicated on this day in the year 335.'

The letter to the Philippian is attributed to the Apostle Paul. The letter is addressed to the Christian church in Philippi in Macedonia, and in the second chapter he gives us a powerful reminder of Christ’s humility. Despite being divine he chose to humble himself and take on the form of a servant, ultimately to the extent of sacrificing himself on the cross to save humanity. The whole passage should remind us of Christ's obedience, His selfless love, and His humility, which sets an example that we are called to copy in our own lives.

Collect for Holy Cross Day

Almighty God,
who in the passion of Your blessed Son
made an instrument of painful death
to be for us the means of life and peace:
grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ
that we may gladly suffer for His sake;
who is alive and reigns with You,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.