“…so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” – John 3:14
What does it mean to exalt the cross of Christ? In one sense, it means that we lift it up in honor because it is a “sign of salvation” for us (Wisdom 16:6). We cherish it because it is the altar of Christ’s sacrifice of Himself for us (see Hebrews 10:11 and 13:10). It’s interesting to think about the action of lifting or exalting that is tied up in our salvation. Christ’s humility and obedience–lowering Himself, taking the “lowest place” (Luke 14:10)–is tied to His exaltation: “…he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him…” (Philippians 2:8-9).
What a paradox: Christ was lifted up on the cross, an instrument of torture and humiliation, for all to look upon. His ultimate humiliation and obedience to God’s will was the source of and expression of the ultimate exaltation. The author of life was stripped of His very life (Acts 3:15), but His loving sacrifice opened the door for us to experience His abundant, everlasting life (John 10:10). His lifting up is the source of our faith: “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM” (John 8:28). His lifting up on the cross is a force of gravity, capturing hearts and pulling them to unite with His Sacred Heart: “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself” (John 12:32). He was lifted on the cross so that we could one day be lifted up from death through the power of His Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) to the loving arms of the Father. We get to follow in the path of Christ at His ascension: “… as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight” (Acts 1:9).
Take a moment to look at a crucifix you have near you or the painting by Velazquez on this page. Lift up your eyes to it. Search Jesus’s face and His open arms. See the love that He has for you. See His humility and obedience to suffering that He endured for you, all so you can have the chance to love Him in return. All this for you.
Jesus, as I look upon your cross, the altar of my salvation, I lift it up in my heart. Give me the grace to be humble and obedient in imitation of You.