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Lifted Up

  • Writer: Claire Henning
    Claire Henning
  • Sep 12
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 16


A silhouetted bird soars against a golden-orange sunset sky. At the top, large cursive text reads “Lifted Up.” Below, white text says: “Trust, even in the silence. The cross isn’t just a symbol of pain – it’s a call to love, to heal, to let go.” A small orange sparkle icon precedes the words: “Let the conversation begin.” At the bottom, the logo “Catholic-Conversations” appears with two simple chair icons.

Today’s readings draw us into the mystery of the exaltation of the cross, each offering its own insight into the paradox of healing that lies at the heart of Christianity. Jesus hung on the cross – humiliated and misunderstood – yet remained there in trust and fidelity.  He gave his life without resentment or bitterness, trusting in God’s presence even when it seemed hidden.  He was killed at the collision of cross-purposes, conflicting interests, and half-truths - lifted up between a good thief and a bad thief and between heaven and earth, in a world that was both human and divine.


The first reading from the Book of Numbers (21:4b-9) recounts the Israelites, weary and complaining about the food at hand. Serpents with burning stings are unleased on the people.  Moses lifts up a bronze serpent on a pole, and those who look upon it find healing.


In today’s Gospel (Jn 3:13-17), John uses that same image as a prefiguring of Jesus on the cross.  His “lifting up” is more than just physical elevation – it is an exaltation, a revealing of God’s love.


In Philippians (2:6-11), the cross is connected to Jesus’ willingness to empty himself and become a servant.  This self-emptying, or kenosis, is not about losing who he is, but about choosing service over status - a lesson for us as disciples.


Across these passages, we find a unified message: the cross is not just a symbol of suffering, but a profound sign of God’s love and call to service.  It invites us to look up, believe, and model what we see.


1.How does the image of Jesus trusting God even in apparent silence challenge or inspire your own faith journey?


2.What does the idea of self-emptying, or kenosis, mean for you in practical terms?


3.What is your first emotion or reaction when you see a cross or think about the crucifixion of Jesus?


 
 
 

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Erin
Sep 13
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Love the message about focusing on service to others.

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Guest
Sep 13
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Thanks Claire, your balance expands the idea of the cross to service to others. My take this week is focuses on personal identification with suffering bringing us close to Christ on the cross. https://open.substack.com/pub/holipoetry/p/do-we-exalt-the-electric-chair?r=3mklkf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&timestamp=2.9&showWelcomeOnShare=false


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James DiLuzio
Sep 13
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Beautiful reflection, Claire. Lately I have been staring at the Crucifix and a bit overwhelmed as to how counter-cultural it is. There is so much cruelty in our world and the lowly are suffering. When to speak out, when to suffer in silence -this is today's challenge. When our call to humility and our insistence that we focus on our common humanity as the foundation for understanding Jesus, the God-Man, is considered "milk toast" and ineffective, I pray that our faith is increased. The "milk of human kindness" will prevail in God's time, not ours. Meanwhile, one day at a time. God bless us all.

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