- Numbers 21:4b–9
- Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38
- Philippians 2:6–11
- John 3:13–17
On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized two new saints at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican: St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Carlo Acutis. These young men are shining examples of faith and inspiration for today’s youth.
St. Carlo Acutis, known as the first millennial saint and “God’s Influencer,” used the internet to document and share hundreds of Eucharistic miracles, igniting a new generation’s devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, a man of deep charity and social action, embodied the hope, vitality, and service-driven life of young Catholics. Both saints were passionate about the poor and fearless in sharing the Gospel in their unique times and ways.
Pope Leo XIV’s canonization of these two saints marked a historic moment—his first official canonizations as pope. Thousands of pilgrims from around the world gathered in Rome to witness and celebrate this joyful occasion.
Yet, just days later, on September 10, 2025, a tragic event struck in Utah, USA. Charlie Kirk, a young advocate for moral truth and Christian values, was assassinated at the age of 31. This senseless act of violence shook many. Despite his untimely death, Charlie’s legacy continues to inspire countless people to return to Christ and embrace the Gospel without compromise.
Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. For many non-believers, the Cross is seen simply as a symbol of death—an instrument upon which Jesus died. They argue that we should not exalt such a symbol, likening it to modern instruments of execution like the electric chair, gas chamber, or lethal injection.
But while these mechanisms are used to take life—often through human violence or legal judgment—the Cross, in Christian faith, stands for something radically different.
For us, the Cross is not a symbol of death, but of life. It is not about execution, but redemption. It was on the Cross that God offered Himself in love to redeem all humanity. In this way, the Cross becomes a sign of hope, salvation, and the triumph of divine love over sin and death.
St. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, beautifully captures the mystery of the Incarnation. Jesus, though fully divine, emptied Himself and became fully human. He embraced our nature, even to the point of suffering and dying like us—yet without sin. His mission was not fame, power, or domination; it was to save us, to lead us back to the Father, and to show us what truly matters to God.
Jesus’ death on the Cross was not the end—it was the passage to resurrection. By rising from the dead, He revealed our ultimate destiny: eternal life with Him. This is our faith, and this is our hope.
Today’s Gospel echoes this profound truth:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
This is the heart of the Christian faith. We are saved not by our merits but by God’s boundless mercy, shown to us through Jesus on the Cross. Through Him, we have become Christians—people who have come to know and live in the reality of God’s love.
As we reflect on this feast, we are reminded that God’s love is offered to all: saints and sinners alike. We are called to draw others to Christ, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When we come to God with sincere hearts, He embraces us as His beloved children.
Let us strive to bring healing, peace, and hope in our world. May the love poured out on the Cross transform us so that we too may become instruments of healing and witnesses to Christ’s mercy.
As St. Paul wrote:
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
My prayer for all of us is that we contemplate the immense goodness of God and the gift of salvation expressed in John 3:16. May the crosses we carry each day connect us more deeply with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
This feast invites us to identify more fully with Christ and to live in communion with one another as a community of faith. As we follow Him, may we grow in patience and steadfastness—especially when we are tempted to stray from the path of life. Let us pray daily for the humility to allow Jesus to save us.
Today, and every day, let us choose to bring our brokenness to the foot of the Cross and allow Christ to lead us. In doing so, may we become true instruments of healing in a wounded world that longs for peace.
Sts. Carlo and Pier Giorgio, pray for us.
Fr. Arlon, OSA
