The Cross — More Than a Symbol
Today, as we observe the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we are reminded: the cross is the sign of our faith. Christianity is recognized by the cross — not just what it looks like, but what it means.
Carlos Acutis once said, “Sadness is looking at yourself; happiness is looking at God.” Conversion begins when we shift our gaze from what is below to what is above.
It’s not enough to wear the cross. We are called to bear the cross.
It’s not simply about identity, but about action: carrying love, grace, humility, and witness into the world.
✝️ True Miracles of the Cross
As we reflect on the power of the cross, here are some authentic miracles tied to the cross and the Eucharist that strengthen our faith:
- The Miracle of the Cross and Calvary Earth-shaking Events
When Jesus died, the Gospel of Matthew describes how the temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth shook, and graves were opened with saints appearing after the resurrection. These signs confirm that through the cross, God tore down the barrier between humanity and Himself. - The True Cross of Helen & the Feast of the Exaltation
Tradition holds that Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered the True Cross in the early 4th century in Jerusalem. Its discovery is commemorated in the Church by the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. - Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano
In the 8th century, a Basilian monk who doubted the Real Presence witnessed the bread and wine at Mass become flesh and blood. Scientific studies later examined the relics (heart tissue) and found human heart muscle tissue. This miracle reinforces that the cross and the Eucharist are more than symbols—they’re living realities in our faith.
🌿 Real Life Connections & Stories
In Vasai, 1982, many Christian families were asked to remove their cross to avoid persecution. Parents said: “If they force us, let it not be just wearing — we will bear the cross.”
Doubt turns into faith at the foot of the cross. Weakness becomes strength; suffering becomes grace and salvation.
💡 Parables of the Cross Today
Here are three parables drawn from modern life, to help us understand what it means to bear the cross, not just wear it.
- The Over-confident Startup Founder
Anita founded a tech startup and often bragged about her vision. She neglected her team, ignored feedback, and believed only in her own gut. One day, a major bug crashed their product on launch day. Everything she built seemed ruined. Her humility came when she admitted her mistakes, apologized, and invited her team’s help to rebuild. In doing so, she discovered that carrying criticism and responsibility for others’ hurt — the “cross” of leadership — made her stronger. - The Home-chef’s Trial
Ravi, a home-chef, dreamed big. He invested in costly ingredients, new packaging, fancy photos. But demand didn’t follow. Orders failed. Tired and tempted to give up, he dared to shift from vanity to service. He started cooking simpler, tasting every dish himself, listening to his customers. Slowly, his business grew — not because of perfection, but because of humility and faith in every small order. The cross was daily perseverance. - The Hospital Volunteer
Meera volunteered at the COVID-ward. Wearing PPE, seeing broken families, death all around, fear and exhaustion hit her. But every day, she crossed institutional boundaries with simple kindness: a water bottle for someone who couldn’t ask, a prayer for a patient separated from family, a note for comfort. She bore her cross of fear and fatigue. Her strength was in each small act of love.
⚠️ Heart of the Message
We are not just wearers of the cross, comfortable with symbolism.
We are called to be bearers of the cross: in humility, in service, in faith.
✨ Food for Thought
“The greatest miracles are born not from grand signs, but from small acts of bearing love.”
Homily Credit: Fr Alex Gonsalves, Rosary Church, Goregaon (MG Road)
