Remember the importance of the person on the cross

The four day celebration of the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross at the Santa Cruz Chapel in Malim Hill drew thousands of faithful from far and near.

Sep 27, 2019

By Bernard Anthony
The four day celebration of the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross at the Santa Cruz Chapel in Malim Hill drew thousands of faithful from far and near. The feast began Sept 12 with a Procession of the Holy Cross and the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, before Mass.

On Sept 14, the actual feastday, there was Holy Hour (Eucharistic Adoration) with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the altar, after the Rosary. The Chapel’s Administrator, Fr Lionel Thomas, who is also the parish priest of Church of St Peter, in his reflection, led the assembly to move out of our vices in order to bring us into the arms of Jesus, to be found again after being lost. It was a touching experience for the many who came.

“You have been found because of your conversion. You become shepherds to bring others back to Jesus. If you can change, others will want too. Touch others, notably your family and even your enemy. They will see the light in you and that will be an invitation for them to come back and walk into the arms of Jesus,” Fr Lionel exhorted.

Taking the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament, Fr Lionel went around to bless the 2,200 strong congregation.

In his homily, Fr Lionel emphasised the need to focus on and deepen our faith in the Eucharist. He invited the assembly to reflect  on the Crucifix. Just as Christ was lifted up on the Cross and draws all men to Himself, at the Holy Mass and during the Eucharistic Adoration, Jesus Christ is lifted up, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Jesus draws us into the very mystery of His Passion, Death and Resurrection.

Quoting John Chapter 6, Fr Lionel said that Jesus is the Bread of Life coming down from heaven. “At every Holy Mass, the Son of Man is lifted up. He heals us from the venom of sin through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and nourishes us and heals us further with His Eucharistic Presence in us during Holy Communion,” Fr Lionel clarified.

On the veneration of the Cross, Fr Lionel said that it is good but we also need to venerate the Person on the Cross who gave His life for you and me. Jesus took the form of a slave and died on the Cross. He humbled Himself and made Himself so small and insignificant. We must follow in Jesus’ footsteps and learn from our Master, imitate Him  and learn humility from Him. “Jesus gave us Himself through the Eucharist. You are what you eat. The more you receive Jesus, the more humble you must be.”

On Sunday, Sept 15, thousands came for the two Morning Masses and for the veneration of the Cross.

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