SHARERS

September 14, 2025 – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091425.cfm)

A story once told about a town which was badly devastated by severe flooding. In the process of rebuilding their lives in their town, they also worked together in building again their damaged church. But what worried them most in rebuilding their church was their old and antique statue of their Crucified Christ that damaged its hands and feet. A public consultation was made as to what should be done about their beloved but damaged Crucifix. Different ideas has been expressed and debated. For sentimental value, some are for restoring the statue; though others are against it, for fear that the restoration might 

completely destroy the original statue. For practical reason, some are in favour of buying a new one, though most would prefer their original Crucifix. 

Then, a respected old man made a suggestion to the plenum. After hearing and reflecting on the old man’s suggestion, everyone agreed that they will honor and implement what has been suggested. They never buy a new one nor restore the old one. But they just put again their old and original Crucifix, now with damaged hands and feet. And underneath the Crucifix, they put a sign: “This is Jesus Christ, who died so that we may live. He is now a PWD – Person with Disability, with damaged hands and feet. Will you now be His hands and feet for others?”

Church tradition has it that during His crucifixion and death, the last words of Jesus was: “Natapos na. It is done. It is finished”. But, what has been done? What has ended? Yes, in the cross, His mission, suffering and life has ended and finished. He has already done the Father’s will. He has already done His work and part in bringing out life and mercy to all. His mission is now done and finished. He has already fulfilled the salvation that God has offered all. He has already revealed to us God’s great love for us, as we are reminded by our gospel today.

But what is not done yet is the building God’s kingdom here on earth. What is not finished yet is the reign of God’s presence, love, justice, mercy and peace in our lives. While there are still people who are suffering from poverty and injustice due to our sins, insensitivity & corruption, the mission of Christ is already done… but our mission as Christian still lives and moves on. While there are still people who are poor, deprived and most abandoned, while there are still people who are imprisoned by greed for power, wealth and prestige, like our corrupt and manipulative politicians, contractors & capitalists, our Mission or Task is not yet done. 

Remember on the cross, Jesus did not say: “I am finished” but said:  “It is finished”. Meaning, he is not finished yet. There is yet more to come, more yet happen for our salvation. And this time, His salvation lives on with us & through us, as His hands & feet to do what we are to do, and to be what we should be as Christians.

So for Him to continue to shower us with God’s grace of salvation, Jesus still needs us. He still needs us to be His hands and feet for others. He has already saved us. God & Jesus have already done their part. Now it is in us & with us to transform our lives in our world today. It is now in our person – in our hands, feet, mouth and faith to be witnesses and sharers of God’s graces to others. Like Simon of Cyrene who helped carry the cross of Jesus, as Christians, it is now our tasks to carry, share, partake and witness the victory of Christ’s Cross to others. Time for us now, not to remain mere followers at the distance, but to take part in the mission of Jesus towards God’s salvation.

Today, in the feast of the Triumph of the Cross, we honor Jesus and all Christians who participate in sharing and spreading God’s salvation to the world, because of them, the Cross of Christ continues now to be triumphant, and God’s grace reign in our lives.

However, How about us, you & I now : Will you now be His hands and Feet for others?

Hinaut pa unta. So May It Be. Amen