The Finding of the Holy Cross

This feast is strongest when it keeps the Cross itself at the center. The ancient Christian memory of the discovery of the holy places in Jerusalem, along with the tradition linking that recovery to St. Helena, provides the historical setting. But the feast is not meant to stir mere antiquarian curiosity or devotion to relics for their own sake. It honors the Cross because the Cross is the instrument of redemption, the sign of Christ's obedience, suffering, and victory.

For that reason the Church's reverence is directed not toward bare wood considered in isolation, but toward the saving mystery accomplished upon it. Older liturgical memory and later legendary embellishment can be distinguished honestly without weakening devotion. In fact, that honesty helps the feast do what it should: turn the mind and heart back to Calvary and to the love by which the world was redeemed.