Exaltation of the Holy Cross (A) : Monday, 14th September 2026

We live in a world that seeks to eliminate suffering at all costs. Through advances in medicine, humanity strives to overcome illness. The Church affirms these efforts, for much suffering is an evil consequence of sin, and it is good and morally necessary to alleviate needless pain and misery. Yet today’s feast reminds us that suffering cannot be entirely eradicated. God did not save us by removing suffering from the world; He saved us by entering into it.

The Son of God became man and freely embraced the Cross, transforming it into the means of our salvation, so that we may have eternal life. Therefore, when suffering inevitably comes, we can unite it to Christ’s sacrifice and participate in His redemptive work. In this way, suffering can become an expression of love and a means through which God brings grace to others.

We cannot carry suffering alone. In moments of pain, we need others who can accompany us with compassion, help us pray, and simply remain beside us without trying to explain everything away. We are not to spiritualise suffering by casually calling it “God’s Will” or attributing it to some mysterious plan. Such words can unintentionally wound those who suffer. God does not desire suffering; rather, He bears it with us and remains faithfully at our side!

The Cross reveals that no suffering is meaningless when united to Christ, for with God, even the darkest moments can become a path to new life.

PRAYER O Cross, reign victorious; may Christ reign in our hearts.