The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross falls this year on the 24th Sunday of OT A. The gospel selection is taken from John 3:13-17. The section is known to some people because of John 3:16 which so-called Born Again Christians seem to take as the central text of the Christian faith. However, these people are also the same ones who take the cross and the crucifix as abominable symbols that cannot be reconciled with the love of God. But of course, theirs is a distortion of the gospel of John itself which brings together the “liftiing up of the Son of Man” with God’s love and salvation. The adoration of the cross is the Church’s expression of its acceptance of the totality of God’s plan of salvation as expressed in Christ.
Relevant Links
The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up
Sunday Thoughts: The Feast of the Exaltation of the CrossThe Context of John 3:13-17
John Damascene: The Adoration of the Cross of Christ
Guide for Reading
The immediate context of John 3:13-17 is John 3:9-21, the response of Jesus to the query of Nicodemus about being born again. There is a sentence flow that illustrates how the sentences in John 3:13-17 are related to one another and to other parts of the Johanine gospel.
- Take note of the verbs: these are of two types, those found in the main clause and those in the subordinate clauses. Make a list of these verbs, their respective subjects and objects.
- The Old Testament event referred to in verse 14 is found Numbers 21:4-9. It is also the first reading for the 24th Sunday (A, 2008: Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross)
- Study the context of the phrases similar to John 3:14’s mention of the lifting up of the Son of Man, specifically
- John 8:28-29
- John 12:31-36
- Using a concordance, try to find how “light” and “eternal life” together with “believe/have faith in” figure in contexts that revolve around the death of Christ in the gospel of John
- Again, using the concordance, try to see how Paul himself makes use of the word “cross” and “crucified”
- Check the references to the Catholic Catechism found below
The Gospel in the Catechism
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Comparing the Readings
The first reading was chosen on the basis of John 3:14 about the lifting up of the Son of Man. John Damascene makes an interesting observation in this regard: he writes that the Serpent (ophis) was raised up on a piece of wood like something dead on a trophy of wood and those who look at it with faith are cured of the serpent’s bite. Christ dead on the cross is the source of life for those who look at him and who are touched by the water and blood that flowed from his side. Psalm 78:38 links the saving event in Numbers 21:4-9 with the mercy of God.
But he, being merciful, forgave their sin
and destroyed them not;
Often he turned back his anger
and let none of his wrath be roused.
The second reading is taken from Philippians 2:6-11, a hymn to Christ who has become Lord because he was “obedient even unto death on the cross”. The hymn is about the Lordship of Christ but Paul uses the hymn to remind the Philippians that their lifestyle should be that of Christ “who emptied himself… taking on the status of a slave”, that is, to be humble and obedient just as Christ was.
Suggestions for a Lesson Plan
One can begin with by listing how many times and on what occassion a Catholic makes the sign of the cross, e.g. at the beginning of prayers, or the cross at the beginnning of the Gospel reading, etc. Then one can mention the times throughout the year when the cross and the crucifix are highlighted, especially on Ash Wednesday and the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday. The exercise can lead immediately to the discussion of John 3:13-17. During the session itself, one can also recall Jesus’ sayings about the cross and why the disciple has to carry it as he follows in the footsteps of Christ. The article posted for the 22nd Sunday OT A can be of help here.
13And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven.
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him, may not perish; but may have life everlasting.
16For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.
17For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him.
16For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.
13And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven.
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him, may not perish; but may have life everlasting.
16For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.
17For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him.
13And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven.
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him, may not perish; but may have life everlasting.
16For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.
17For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him.
9Nicodemus answered, and said to him: How can these things be done?
10Jesus answered, and said to him: Art thou a master in Israel, and knowest not these things?
11Amen, amen I say to thee, that we speak what we know, and we testify what we have seen, and you receive not our testimony.
12If I have spoken to you earthly things, and you believe not; how will you believe, if I shall speak to you heavenly things?
13And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven.
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him, may not perish; but may have life everlasting.
16For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.
17For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him.
18He that believeth in him is not judged. But he that doth not believe, is already judged: because he believeth not in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19And this is the judgment: because the light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the light: for their works were evil.
20For every one that doth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, that his works may not be reproved.
21But he that doth truth, cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, because they are done in God.
13And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven.
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him, may not perish; but may have life everlasting.
16For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.
17For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him.
4And they marched from mount Hor, by the way that leadeth to the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom. And the people began to be weary of their journey and labour:
5And speaking against God and Moses, they said: Why didst thou bring us out of Egypt, to die in the wilderness? There is no bread, nor have we any waters: our soul now loatheth this very light food.
6Wherefore the Lord sent among the people fiery serpents, which bit them and killed many of them.
7Upon which they came to Moses, and said: We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord and thee: pray that he may take away these serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
8And the Lord said to him: Make brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign: whosoever being struck shall look on it, shall live.
9Moses therefore made a brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign: which when they that were bitten looked upon, they were healed.
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up:
28Jesus therefore said to them: When you shall have lifted up the Son of man, then shall you know, that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself, but as the Father hath taught me, these things I speak:
29And he that sent me, is with me, and he hath not left me alone: for I do always the things that please him.
31Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself.
33(Now this he said, signifying what death he should die.)
34The multitude answered him: We have heard out of the law, that Christ abideth for ever; and how sayest thou: The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?
35Jesus therefore said to them: Yet a little while, the light is among you. Walk whilst you have the light, that the darkness overtake you not. And he that walketh in darkness, knoweth not whither he goeth.
36Whilst you have the light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light. These things Jesus spoke; and he went away, and hid himself from them.
13And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven.
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him, may not perish; but may have life everlasting.
16For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.
17For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him.
13And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven.
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him, may not perish; but may have life everlasting.
16For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.
17For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him.
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up:
38But he is merciful, and will forgive their sins: and will not destroy them. And many a time did he turn away his anger: and did not kindle all his wrath.
4And they marched from mount Hor, by the way that leadeth to the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom. And the people began to be weary of their journey and labour:
5And speaking against God and Moses, they said: Why didst thou bring us out of Egypt, to die in the wilderness? There is no bread, nor have we any waters: our soul now loatheth this very light food.
6Wherefore the Lord sent among the people fiery serpents, which bit them and killed many of them.
7Upon which they came to Moses, and said: We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord and thee: pray that he may take away these serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
8And the Lord said to him: Make brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign: whosoever being struck shall look on it, shall live.
9Moses therefore made a brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign: which when they that were bitten looked upon, they were healed.
6Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man.
8He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.
9For which cause God also hath exalted him, and hath given him a name which is above all names:
10That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth:
11And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.
13And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven.
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him, may not perish; but may have life everlasting.
16For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.
17For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him.
CCC 423,440
¶423 We believe and confess that Jesus of Nazareth, born a Jew of a daughter of Israel at Bethlehem at the time of King Herod the Great and the emperor Caesar Augustus, a carpenter by trade, who died crucified in Jerusalem under the procurator Pontius Pilate during the reign of the emperor Tiberius, is the eternal Son of God made man. He 'came from God', 'descended from heaven', and 'came in the flesh'. For 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. . . And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace.
¶440 Jesus accepted Peter's profession of faith, which acknowledged him to be the Messiah, by announcing the imminent Passion of the Son of Man. He unveiled the authentic content of his messianic kingship both in the transcendent identity of the Son of Man "who came down from heaven", and in his redemptive mission as the suffering Servant: "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Hence the true meaning of his kingship is revealed only when he is raised high on the cross. Only after his Resurrection will Peter be able to proclaim Jesus' messianic kingship to the People of God: "Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
CCC 661
¶661 This final stage stays closely linked to the first, that is, to his descent from heaven in the Incarnation. Only the one who "came from the Father" can return to the Father: Christ Jesus. "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man." Left to its own natural powers humanity does not have access to the "Father's house", to God's life and happiness. Only Christ can open to man such access that we, his members, might have confidence that we too shall go where he, our Head and our Source, has preceded us.
CCC 2130
¶2130 Nevertheless, already in the Old Testament, God ordained or permitted the making of images that pointed symbolically toward salvation by the incarnate Word: so it was with the bronze serpent, the ark of the covenant, and the cherubim.
CCC 219,444
¶219 God's love for Israel is compared to a father's love for his son. His love for his people is stronger than a mother's for her children. God loves his people more than a bridegroom his beloved; his love will be victorious over even the worst infidelities and will extend to his most precious gift: "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son."
¶444 The Gospels report that at two solemn moments, the Baptism and the Transfiguration of Christ, the voice of the Father designates Jesus his "beloved Son". Jesus calls himself the "only Son of God", and by this title affirms his eternal pre-existence. He asks for faith in "the name of the only Son of God". In the centurion's exclamation before the crucified Christ, "Truly this man was the Son of God", that Christian confession is already heard. Only in the Paschal mystery can the believer give the title "Son of God" its full meaning.
CCC 454,458
¶454 The title "Son of God" signifies the unique and eternal relationship of Jesus Christ to God his Father: he is the only Son of the Father (cf. Jn 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18); he is God himself (cf. Jn 1:1). To be a Christian, one must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (cf. Acts 8:37; 1 Jn 2:23).
¶458 The Word became flesh so that thus we might know God's love: "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him." "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
CCC 706
¶706 Against all human hope, God promises descendants to Abraham, as the fruit of faith and of the power of the Holy Spirit. In Abraham's progeny all the nations of the earth will be blessed. This progeny will be Christ himself, in whom the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will "gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad." God commits himself by his own solemn oath to giving his beloved Son and "the promised Holy Spirit . . . [who is] the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it."
CCC 679
¶679 Christ is Lord of eternal life. Full right to pass definitive judgment on the works and hearts of men belongs to him as redeemer of the world. He "acquired" this right by his cross. The Father has given "all judgment to the Son". Yet the Son did not come to judge, but to save and to give the life he has in himself. By rejecting grace in this life, one already judges oneself, receives according to one's works, and can even condemn oneself for all eternity by rejecting the Spirit of love.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Your page is great and I really appreciate cause it helps a lot just I want something else if only you can, I am in-charge in our community to do the transparencies of the sunday readings of the Filipino community Mass and I need your help in tagalog version including Panalangin ng bayan please help me. Thanks and May God bless you as Always