Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (John 3:13-17):

God Our Father,

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the Cross of Your Son, Jesus Christ. What appeared to the world as an instrument of suffering and death became, through Your love, the sign of our salvation and the doorway to eternal life.

Lord Jesus, help us to look upon Your Holy Cross with faith. When we are afraid, may we see Your courage. When we suffer, may we remember Your sacrifice. When we feel abandoned, may we remember that You remained faithful even unto death.

Lord, teach us to carry our own crosses with faith and perseverance. When our burdens seem too heavy, give us strength. When illness comes, give us hope. When we experience rejection, loneliness, financial difficulties, family struggles, or grief, remind us that we never carry our crosses alone. May the Cross of Christ be at the centre of our homes. Heal wounds between husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters. Bring reconciliation where there is division and peace where there is conflict.

Lord Jesus, deliver us from the crosses we create through sin: hatred, pride, greed, unforgiveness, selfishness, and indifference. Give us the grace to d!e to ourselves so that Your love may live within us. Holy Cross of Christ, be our hope. Holy Cross of Christ, be our strength. Holy Cross of Christ, be our refuge. Holy Cross of Christ, lead us to salvation. May we never look at the Cross merely as a symbol, but recognise in it the greatest declaration of God’s love for humanity. Amen