What is the Feast of the Holy Cross?

The Feast of the Holy Cross, observed on September 14 in the Anglican tradition, is a Red-Letter Holy Day feast that centers on the cross as the instrument of humanity’s salvation through Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. This day, rich with theological and liturgical significance, invites believers to reflect on the cross as a symbol of divine love and victory over sin and death. Let's explore the historical roots, theological depth, and liturgical practices of The Feast of the Holy Cross, and highlight its call to proclaim Christ’s redemptive work.

Historical Roots of Holy Cross Day

The origins of The Feast of the Holy Cross trace back to the 4th century, when St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, is said to have discovered the True Cross in Jerusalem. While historical details vary, the feast’s establishment reflects the early Church’s desire to honor the cross as the means of salvation. In the Anglican tradition, The Feast of the Holy Cross transcends this historical event, focusing instead on the theological reality of the cross as the pivotal moment in God’s redemptive plan. It underscores the paradox of an instrument of suffering becoming the source of eternal life, inviting believers to meditate on Christ’s sacrifice.

The Collect for Holy Cross Day

The 2019 Book of Common Prayer provides a collect that encapsulates the day’s theological focus:

"Almighty God, who on the cross caused your only-begotten Son to suffer death for our redemption, granting life through his death to those who believe: Grant that we, who glory in the cross of Christ, may ever proclaim the world’s only hope, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen." (2019 BCP, p. 630)

This prayer highlights God’s initiative in salvation through the cross and calls believers to “glory” in it, echoing Paul’s words: “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14, ESV). The collect also challenges Anglicans to proclaim Christ as the world’s hope, aligning with the tradition’s emphasis on mission and witness.

Scriptural Foundations for Holy Cross Day

The 2019 BCP assigns readings that illuminate the cross’s significance. These passages ground the feast in the biblical narrative of salvation.

Isaiah 45:21–25: God’s Unique Salvation

The Old Testament reading affirms God’s sole role as Savior:

“Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:21–22, ESV).

This passage emphasizes God’s unique power to save, which Christians see fulfilled in the cross. The universal call to salvation prefigures the cross’s role as the means by which all people can turn to God.

Philippians 2:5–11: Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

The Epistle reading presents the Christ Hymn, a profound reflection on the cross:

“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:8–10, ESV).

This passage highlights the cross as the ultimate act of Christ’s humility, leading to his exaltation. The phrase “even death on a cross” underscores the depth of his sacrifice, given the crucifixion’s brutality in the ancient world. For Anglicans, this invites reflection on emulating Christ’s self-giving love.

John 12:31–36a: The Cross as Victory

The Gospel reading captures Jesus’ words about his crucifixion:

“Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:31–32, ESV).

The phrase “lifted up” refers to both the crucifixion and Christ’s glorification, portraying the cross as the moment of victory over evil and the means by which all are invited to salvation. This passage emphasizes the cross’s universal reach, a central theme for Holy Cross Day.

Psalm 98: Celebrating God’s Victory

The BCP also offers Psalm 98 as an alternative:

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him” (Psalm 98:1, ESV).

This psalm frames the cross as a “marvelous thing,” connecting Christ’s sacrifice to God’s broader narrative of salvation. Its joyful tone encourages Anglicans to approach the feast with gratitude and praise.

Liturgical Observance in Anglican Worship

Anglican parishes typically mark The Feast of the Holy Corss with a Eucharistic service, where the collect, readings, and hymns focus on the cross. Hymns such as “Lift High the Cross” or “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” reinforce themes of triumph and devotion. The Eucharist is particularly fitting, as it makes present Christ’s sacrifice, allowing worshippers to participate in the mystery of the cross and receive God’s grace.

The liturgy may also incorporate elements like the Good Friday Solemn Collects, adapted to emphasize the cross’s redemptive power. These practices create a worship experience that balances reverence for Christ’s sacrifice with celebration of his victory.

The Cross in Anglican Spirituality

In Anglican spirituality, the cross holds a central place, embodying both God’s judgment against sin and his mercy toward humanity. The Feast of the Holy Cross invites believers to see the cross as a living reality that shapes their faith and practice. The call to “glory in the cross” challenges Anglicans to live lives marked by humility, sacrifice, and bold proclamation of the Gospel. This feast encourages personal and communal reflection on how the cross informs daily life, from acts of service to sharing the hope of Christ in a broken world.

Conclusion: The Cross as a Call to Action

The Feast of the Holy Cross is more than a liturgical observance; it is a call to embody the cross’s message in the world. The 2019 BCP’s collect and scriptures—Isaiah 45:21–25, Philippians 2:5–11, John 12:31–36a, and Psalm 98—reveal the cross as the heart of God’s redemptive plan, where Christ’s sacrifice defeats sin and draws all to himself. For Anglicans, this feast is an opportunity to renew their commitment to Christ’s mission, living as witnesses to the hope found in the cross. In a world marked by division and despair, The Feast of the Holy Cross reminds believers that the cross stands as a beacon of divine love, calling them to proclaim Christ’s victory through their words and deeds, transforming lives and communities by the power of his sacrifice.