“The cross is the hope of Christians, the staff of the lame, the comfort of the poor, the destruction of all pride, the victory over devils, the guide of youth, the pilot of mariners, the refuge of those who are in danger, the counselor of the just, the rest of the afflicted, the physician of the sick, the glory of martyrs.”
-St. John Chrysostom

These words from St. John Chrysostom remind us of the many ways the Cross has been a source of strength and hope for Christians throughout the centuries. What was once a symbol of suffering and death has become, through Christ, a symbol of love, hope, and victory.

Every year on September 14th, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. It is a day when we are invited to look again at the Cross, not simply as a symbol we wear or see in our churches, but as a reminder of the path we are called to take as disciples of Christ.

The timing of this feast feels especially meaningful as we begin a new school year. September is a season of new beginnings. Classrooms come alive again, familiar hallways fill with voices, teachers and students meet one another, families settle into new routines, and an entire school community begins another year of learning, growing, and discovering together. New beginnings bring a sense of possibility, new friendships to form, new skills to develop, new opportunities to serve, and countless moments when we can make a difference in one another’s lives.

The feast also commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine, in the fourth century. According to tradition, St. Helen traveled to Jerusalem to find places connected with Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. After a long search, three crosses were discovered at the site of Christ’s crucifixion. Through a miraculous healing, the True Cross was identified and then lifted high so that the people could see it.

The Cross also reminds us of Christ’s love: a love that gives, serves, welcomes, and forgives. It reminds us to see the dignity and goodness in one another and to recognize that each person we encounter is created in the image and likeness of God. Our school year gives us countless opportunities to live this out. We have opportunities to welcome someone new, encourage a friend, inspire a student, celebrate one another’s accomplishments, learn from one another, and offer a helping hand. These seemingly ordinary moments can become meaningful expressions of Christ’s love.

Saint Helen’s example reminds us that faith is not simply something we believe; it is something we are called to live. She searched for the Cross, found it, and lifted it high. We are called to do the same. We can intentionally bring the message of the Cross into the life of our school community, not simply by displaying one, but by allowing what it represents to shape the way we live together.

When we forgive, we lift the Cross. When we choose patience over anger, humility over pride, and faith over fear, we lift the Cross. When we encourage someone who is struggling or offer a helping hand to someone who feels alone, we lift the Cross. And when challenges come, we do not have to face them alone. We can turn to our teachers, friends, and families for support, and we can always turn to Christ, who walks with us. The Cross reminds us that whatever the year may bring, we are never beyond the reach of God’s love.

So as this new school year begins, may we keep the Cross before us. May it remind us that every new beginning is filled with possibility. May we approach this year with open hearts, curious minds, generous spirits, and a willingness to help one another grow. And may we remember that Christ walks beside us through every classroom, every hallway, every conversation, every success, and every new beginning.

May the words of St. Patrick’s Breastplate be our prayer for the year ahead:

“Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye of everyone that sees me,
Christ in the ear of everyone that hears me.”

AUTHOR: Kristina Rouditchenko, K-2 Music Teacher