The three proper ways to respond to the cross

Homily for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

“With their patience worn out by the journey,
the people complained against God.” (Num 21:4b)

We live in a broken world.  God’s plan to fix this broken world was through the cross of Jesus.  The plan will come to fulfillment with the second coming of Jesus.  As the gospel says, “God so loved the world that he sent his only son… so that the world might be saved through him” and his cross.  (Jn 3:16)

Until then, there will be many crosses, both big and little, that come into our life. 

The bigger crosses could be a lingering sickness, a sudden loss of a job, the death of a family member, or having to live with a difficult person. 

The little crosses could be unplanned interruptions like a car breakdown, a power outage, or spotty cellular service. 

How should we respond to the crosses that come into our lives?  One.  Acceptance.  Two.  Do what you can to remedy the situation by cooperating with God to fix the brokenness.  Three.  Let the cross bring you closer to God. 

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The Israelites provide a good example in the Book of Numbers (21:4-9)

Their journey in the desert was in a way their cross.  But instead of accepting this as part of God’s plan, they complained.  The passage begins by saying, “With their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God.”

Because they complained, God sent them venomous snakes.  The snake bites were deadly, and the Israelites began to die.  Those snakes also became their cross, the consequence in this case of disobedience, unfaithfulness, and ingratitude. 

They cried to Moses, “Pray God, Take the serpents from us!”  The crosses we carry sometimes make us want to scream like the Israelites, “Take this from me! God, make all of these crosses, both little and big, just go away.”

Did God do what they asked?  No.  The snakes were not a distraction from them reaching the Promised Land as God’s chosen people; they became an essential part of their salvation journey. 

In like manner, the crosses in our life are not a distraction from our salvation but become the means through which God redeems us and the world.  In other words, our crosses, properly united with the cross of Jesus, become the means for our salvation. 

The Israelites also discovered this truth.  Instead of taking the snakes away, the snakes became the source of healing.  To live, the people had to look at a bronze likeness of the snake, and meditate upon their affliction in faith and repentance.  Their healing came through that which afflicted them the most. 

The bronze serpent didn’t prevent the people in the wilderness from being bitten.  Rather, it healed them from the deadly effects of the snakebite. The cross of Christ does not prevent us from being afflicted, but provides the means through which we can be healed.  In our suffering, we can gaze upon the cross. 

The message of this feast is not about taking our cross away, but to accept these crosses, and let them bring us closer to God. 

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To illustrate, permit me to share a deeply personal experience. I received my own cross this week. I received a medical diagnosis that will require long-term treatment.  I have traces of cancer in my prostrate. 

The diagnosis came after three blood tests and a biopsy spread out over eight months.  After the first two tests, I was getting annoyed.  I cried out like the Israelites.  My patience was worn out from the journey of one test after another.  “Lord, take these serpents from me.”  My serpent was more like the sting of a needle than the bite of a snake. 

Like the Israelites in the desert complaining about the journey, I complained.  Like the Israelites, I wanted God to take this away.  I cried out, “Why have you brought me to this wretched place?”

By the third blood test, things were looking grim.  The doctors scheduled me for a biopsy in three weeks.

When I was waiting for the biopsy, I prayed fervently to the Lord in a way I hadn’t prayed for a long time.  I felt a deep connection with God, his love, and his faithfulness.  I was not alone.

When I finally received the results of the biopsy and the news that there was some cancer present, I went through a range of emotions.  I was afraid.  I was angry.  I wanted to quit.  I was on the edge of slipping into a dark depression.  I cried out, “God, why are you doing this to me?  Everything in my life and ministry was coming together.  You’re going to really mess up the good work I am doing for you!”

I met with my spiritual director.  I said, “This doesn’t feel right.  My ministry as a spiritual director is flourishing.  I’m sharing my wisdom as a teacher at Divine Mercy University.  I have found a home with the homeless.  Why would God mess that up?”

She repeated, “Why?” prompting me to answer my own question.  The answer came.  The Lord wants me close to him.  While waiting for the biopsy, the Lord enjoyed those enriching moments of prayer. I would be like a child, sitting on his lap while he stroked my hair, pouring out my cares and concerns.  And then hearing his voice, “You’re going to be ok.  It may be tough for a while, but I am with you.” 

I realized that this is a cross.  I should follow the advice I’ve been offering in my preaching and writing.  Accept it.  Try to remedy the situation by following the doctor’s advice.  Let this affliction bring me closer to God. 

The words of the little gospel then came into clear focus.  Paraphrasing John 3:16:

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son to die on a cross, so that everyone who accepts their own cross might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn a broken world, but that the world might be restored to its original beauty and saved through him and his cross.

May the Lord be close to you as you accept the crosses in your life.