The cross is called the glory of Christ, and his exaltation; it is the
chalice for which he longed, the consummation of his sufferings on
our behalf. The cross is also the exaltation of Christ - listen to his
words, "When I am lifted up, I will draw all people to myself." You
see then that the cross is the glory and the exaltation of Christ. (from
the homilies of St. Andrew of Crete)
O wonderful power of the cross! O indescribable glory of the
passion. Your cross is the source of all blessings, the cause of all
graces. Through it those who believe receive strength from weakness, glory from shame, life
from death. Lord, on the cross you drew all things to yourself, so that for all victims there is
now one sacrifice, so there may be one kingdom of all peoples. (from the sermons of St. Leo
the Great)
Almighty God, who in the passion of your blessed Son made an instrument of shameful death
to be for us the means of life: 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 and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever. Amen. (ASB Collect for Holy Cross Day)
