Saint Andrew Russian Greek Catholic Church

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The veneration of the Cross on this third Sunday in Lent prepares us for the commemoration of the Crucifixion which is soon to follow in Great and Holy Week, and the same time, it reminds us that the whole of Lent is a period when we are crucified with Christ.  No separation is made between Christ’s death and his Resurrection: rather,  the Cross is regarded as an emblem of victory and Calvary is seen in the light of the Empty Tomb. Please see the related article in “Father Quotes”.

The Epistle for the liturgy exhorts us, as we have Jesus for our Great High Priest, to approach the throne of grace boldly, so that we may obtain pardon for our sins.   The Gospel brings us the very serious and urgent words of Jesus:  “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me….”

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee”; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power."