O God, who this day dost gladden us by the yearly feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: grant we beseech Thee, that we who on earth acknowledge the Mystery of Redemption wrought upon it, may be worthy to enjoy the rewards of that same Redemption in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
(from the Collect)
Christ became obedient for us unto death: even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a name which is above every name. Alleluia, alleluia. Sweet the wood, sweet the nails, sweet the load that hangs on thee: thou only wast worthy to bear the King and Lord of heaven. Alleluia.
(from the Gradual)
In this morning's sermon the priest said Our Lord took a thing of horror and made it into a thing of love. On this day Mary Ellen graciously shares a bit of what it's like to partake of both the horror and the love. Do go read her beautiful words.
