Exaltation of the Cross
Deacon Albert
St. John the Evangelist Cathedral
Our Lord is a God who loves a paradox. Death came from a tree, so he brought us life through a tree. Death came through serpents, so he brought life through a serpent mounted on a pole. In ancient Rome, Crucifixion was used to mock slaves who were too ambitious – it was a parody of being “raised up” as a King. Christ used the crucifixion to bring our freedom and reveal himself as the True King.
The Emperor Constantine had a vision which told him that he would conquer through the Sign of the Cross, and he did. So also the book of Revelation commands all Christians to conquer through their witness. We recall that Jesus told Peter that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against the Church. If this battle involves “gates,” just who do you think is on the offense? We are. It is our duty to conquer the Earth and end the reign of Hell on Earth.
We must not forget, however, that our God is a lover of paradox. When one nation conquers another, it kills and enslaves their people. When a Christian conquers, he does so by enslaving himself to those he conquers and by giving his life for their sake. The Gates of Hell shall not prevail indeed, for the Cross is our battering ram.