Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 2020

Today, we celebrate the paradox of Jesus dying on the wood of the cross and the victory of his resurrection. We bend our knees to his love for humanity. We wait to be converted by his love within the suffering we face this day.

I invite you to kneel before him. I invite you to kneel before the sufferings of people in your silent prayer.. We kneel without blame. We kneel without political colors. We kneel because this paradox is the source of our identity in life, the Church, in our families, in our neighborhoods. This cross is the way to new life. We offer him everything that creates hopelessness, suffering, and despair within us.

Jesus, we bend our knees on behalf of those facing the consequences of fire in our western states. We pray for the children who have lost homes, the parents who may never be able to build again. We pray for the fear that settles in ash, for their loss of possessions, memories and histories. We pray for the loss of trees, of water, and natural resources. We pray for the birds who built nests upon the earth, for wild animals who survived in the forests. We pray for people who are now homeless and who face years of financial and family struggle.

Jesus, we bend our knees on behalf of those who face the hurricane in the south. We pray for those who face yet one more time, the loss of everything. We pray on our knees for those who will be waist high in water and loss.

Jesus, we bend our knees on behalf of our nation that remains so divided. We bend our knees for those who live in rage and anger about their lives. We bend our knees on behalf of people who have made their identity from one political color or the other. We bend our knees not to our country, but to you alone.

Jesus, we bend our knees to you, the crucified, on behalf of our divided Church. We pray for those who claim the past as the only answer. We pray for those who have given up on the Church completely as a way forward. On our knees today, speak to us of how love must be our guide, how your kindness is our road home.

Jesus, we bend our knees today on behalf of those who suffer from our world’s pandemic. We offer up to you the suffering of those who have lost a loved one. We lift high to you those who have lost their businesses and support systems.  We lift high our children who face anxiety. Depression and loss have made a home within us all. We bend our knees to you, the source of healing. Deliver us from angry politics and ill will toward a virus. We bend our knees in absolute surrender to your holy name.

Jesus, we bend our knees to you. Lift us from the darkness we face. Lift us into seeing once again the beauty and joy of your life within us.

Amen