Rafael de Mosteyrín, a priest and chaplain of the CDP Torrealba, shares his insights on the significance of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, commemorated on September 14.
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In a tale as old as time, it is said that God refines each soul through trials and purifies it with the touch of the Cross, preparing them to serve Him more faithfully.
There once lived a man who possessed a unique mill, specially crafted for the delicate task of grinding cinnamon. When the essential stones used in the mill wore out, the man faced a dilemma as they were costly and hard to procure. In a moment of need, a close friend offered him an unconventional solution:
“Go to the river, find stones resembling the ones you used, bring them home for replacement. Rotate them tirelessly without adding cinnamon. Be patient, for the process may take hours, days, or even weeks.”
Following his friend’s advice, the man embarked on the arduous task. Over time, the new stones were polished through friction, attaining the same level of smoothness as the original ones.
The celebration of the Cross holds profound meaning for Christians. Rather than shunning suffering, we are called to embrace it, for it molds us into Christ-likeness. The Cross symbolizes our identity as Christians – it should permeate every aspect of our lives, fostering sanctification and unity with Christ.
Just as the Cross served as a sacrificial act of love and atonement for the world, it also becomes a vessel for our personal sanctification and spiritual growth. By embracing our daily crosses and aligning our sufferings with Christ’s, we partake in His redemptive work for the Church and its members.
