In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

With these words, we trace the shape of the cross over our bodies. The Father claimed us as His beloved daughters in our Baptisms and we are forever marked with His Sign of the Cross.

As we celebrate this beautiful Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross today, let us rejoice today in the gift of our Redemption through Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus “humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him.” (Philipians 2:8) Let us pray together:

Jesus, make my heart an altar where You are exalted and glorified. Give me the grace to be humble today, emptying myself in love to all those who are entrusted to my care. Help me to know Your voice so that I will be obedient to Your perfect will. May my humility and obedience bear great fruit in Your Kingdom. Provide the grace I need to accept the death you are asking on the Cross. Give me confident hope in the Resurrection. Deepen my faith which longs for eternal life with you in Heaven. I surrender to you my burdens and fears, trusting that the Cross does not end with death, but leads to new life.

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Listen to this playlist made just for you featuring songs about the Holy Cross today.

Rose Coleman is a contemplative in action who delights in all things beautiful. Her adventurous heart has traveled many places—from circumnavigating the globe on a ship during college to some years in the convent as a religious sister. Exuberant from her childhood, she is an elementary school teacher who learns so much from her students. You can find out more about her here. She is the author of our Blessed Conversations: Ways to Pray study found here.