This festival, which originated in the fourth century, celebrates the triumph of the cross. Paul reminds us that Christ crucified is the power and wisdom of God. As Moses put a serpent on a pole to be a source of healing for the Israelites, we lift high the cross as the sign of our health and salvation. Each time we make the sign of the cross we remember our baptism into the death and resurrection of Christ.

This morning our celebration has a dual focus. The liturgical observance is Holy Cross Day, the commemoration of the completion of the basilica built on the site where tradition holds remnants of Christ’s Cross were discovered. We celebrate this day as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the blessings we receive through Holy Baptism—child of God, you have been sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.