September 14, 2021 Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time-B THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS

Numbers 21:4-9

Psalm 78

Philippians 2:6-11

John 3:13-17

…he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.  Phil. 2:8

Lord, any normal person would look in horror at the cruelty of execution on a cross. Your innocence and goodness makes your suffering and death even more tragic. All the anger, killing, and hateful evil in the world came together in your cross. Your obedience to the mission given you by your Father and your humility in accepting the whips, insults and nails transformed the cross into the Tree of Life. Because of what you willingly endured on Calvary death was changed to victory: a victory that I can share because I believe in you. Lord, Jesus, thank you for your great sacrifice for me. Did you think of me during your suffering? Did you pray to your Father to forgive my sins? Nothing can compare with your unconditional love for me and all your children. Open my heart to receive your love. May the mercy and grace flowing from your cross help me to love as you do by leaving behind judgment, selfishness, pride and greed. As you changed the cross from a symbol of death to victory, change me to be humble and obedient as you are.  Amen.