The Exaltation of the Cross

“What are these Christians about, exalting an instrument of torture?

    First, we rejoice that something so terrible should have been transformed into a means of redemption for the whole human race.

    Second, we remind ourselves of the fact that Christianity is not an abstract and spiritual religion. It springs from God’s direct intervention in the affairs of the world, a real historical event involving real people and, in the end, a real execution on a real cross. We may theorize and theologize all we like; but all our theorizings and theologizings are nothing without the history on which they are based. Take away that history – take away the Cross – and Christianity is nonsense.”

~Martin Kochanski

We see Jesus crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, that through God’s gracious will he might taste death for the sake of all men. Indeed, it was fitting that when bringing many sons to glory God, for whom and through whom all things exist, should make their leader in the work of salvation perfect through suffering.

~Hebrews 2:9-10

HYMN

O Cross of Christ, immortal tree

On which our Savior died,

The world is sheltered by your arms

That bore the Crucified.

From bitter death and barren wood

The tree of life is made;

Its branches bear unfailing fruit

And leaves that never fade.

O faithful Cross, you stand unmoved

While ages run their course;

Foundation of the universe,

Creation’s binding force.

Give glory to the risen Christ

And to his Cross give praise,

The sign of God’s unfathomed love,

The hope of all our days.

Tune: St. Flavian C.M.

Music: John Day in John Day’s Psalter, 1562

Text: Stanbrook Abbey