Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 2023

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 and in the church. We kneel in surrender to Christ alone. 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 natural disasters. We bend our knees to the survivors of fire in Maui and
earthquakes in Morocco and floods in Libya. We pray for the children who have
lost homes, the parents who may never be able to build again. We pray for people
overwhelmed with fear. 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. We pray for the dead and
the survivors.

Jesus, we bend our knees on behalf of people who have lost loved ones
from mental illness and gunfire. We are humbled by our loved ones who have
taken their own lives in this past year. We bend our knees to pray for all who
are jailed only because of mental anguish and outbursts.

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 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 on behalf of those who have suffered from
our world’s pandemic in these past few years. 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. We bend our knees in absolute surrender to your
holy name.

Jesus, we bend our knees to you, the source of hope, amid the
children who have been abused within our church. We beg you to heal us, to mend
the fear of our people. We beg you to heal the child within us all.

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. May
we surrender to your ancient and holy grace.

Amen