Today, September 14
Feast of the Day
No feast of the day
Saint of the Day
This liturgical feast has been celebrated since early times. In the 4th century, two churches in Jerusalem were dedicated to the cross on this day and the occasion was commemorated annually. Adopted by the Church in Rome during the 7th century, the feast commemorates both the dedication of the original Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 335 and Christ's victory over death.
©2011 Living with Christ, Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/. Reprinted with permission.
Readings of the Day
Book of Numbers 21,4b-9.
With their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses, "Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!" In punishment the LORD sent among the people saraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died. Then the people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned in complaining against the LORD and you. Pray the LORD to take the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people, and the LORD said to Moses, "Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and if anyone who has been bitten looks at it, he will recover." Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.
Psalms 78(77),1-2.34-35.36-37.38.
Hearken, my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable, I will utter mysteries from of old. While he slew them they sought him and inquired after God again, Remembering that God was their rock and the Most High God, their redeemer. But they flattered him with their mouths and lied to him with their tongues, Though their hearts were not steadfast toward him, nor were they faithful to his covenant. But he, being merciful, forgave their sin and destroyed them not; often he turned back his anger and let none of his wrath be roused.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 3,13-17.
Jesus said to Nicodemus : "No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
Daily Reflection
"Where, then, did He dwell, if not in sorrow?" In immense pain, in supreme sorrow? It is the dwelling-place of every soul that loves And conforms its life to that of the Savior. Do not fear suffering; it is a pledge of love. "bury yourself wholly inthe shadow of the Cross; He that it supports shall grant you light." He will strengthen you to struggle each day.