‍

Dear brothers and sisters,

In the Prayer of the Church, the ancient hymn for today’s feast, the Vexilla Regis, speaks of the Cross going before us as a “Royal Banner”. This hymn was first sung in 569, for a procession of a relic of the True Cross. We are well used to seeing the crucifix carried in procession in church – going before us as we gather for the celebration of the Eucharist.

In the readings for this Sunday, Jesus tells us that He must be lifted up, seen by all who gather around Him, that all may believe in Him. This had been foreshadowed in the Old Testament when God tells Moses to raise up the bronze serpent as a cure for those who look upon it.    

Jesus is our life, our healing and, as we gaze upon the Cross, we see his self-emptying that is our forgiveness; His death that leads to Resurrection and to our share in the gift of eternal life.

In this Jubilee Year, when we are called to reflect on our lives as Pilgrims of Hope, we recognise the hope that is the Cross of Christ. It is the Cross, bearing the image of the crucified Lord, that is our banner, going before us on our pilgrim way. Our pilgrimage must entail the carrying of the cross, following in the way of the crucified One, as we journey, witnessing each and every day to the One who died and rose from the dead for the salvation of the world.  

With every blessing,

+ Richard

‍

To discover the latest news from the Diocese or join one of our upcoming events, please click the button below to read this week's E-Bulletin newsletter.