Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Introit
Galatians 6:14
But it behooves us to glory in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ: in Whom is our salvation, life, and resurrection; by Whom we are saved and delivered. Ps. May God have mercy on us, and bless us; may He cause the light of His countenance to shine upon us, and may He have mercy on us. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, Who dost gladden us this day by the annual solemnity of the exaltation of the Holy Cross, grant, we beseech Thee, that, as we have known its mystery on earth, we may deserve in heaven the reward which it had purchased. Through the same our Lord.
Epistle
Philippians 2:5-11
Brethren, let this mind be in you which was also in Jesus Christ: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man. He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause God also hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a Name which is above all names: [All kneel] that in the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth and that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.
Gradual
Philippians 2:8-9
Christ became obedient for us unto death: even the death of the cross. ℣. For which cause also God hath exalted Him and hath given Him a name which is above all names.
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Sweet the wood, sweet the nails, sweet the load that hangs thereon: thou only wast worthy to bear the King and Lord of Heaven. Alleluia.
Gospel
John 12:31-36
At that time: Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to Myself. (Now this He said, signifying what death He should die.) The multitude answered Him: We have heard out of the law, that Christ abideth forever: and how sayest Thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is the Son of man? Jesus therefore said to them: Yet a little while, the light is among you. Walk whilst you have the light, that the darkness overtake you not. And he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. Whilst you have the light, believe in the light; that you may be the children of light.
Offertory
Through the sign of the holy cross, protect Thy people, O Lord, from the snares of all enemies, that we may pay Thee a pleasing service, and our sacrifice be acceptable.
Secret
Being about to be fed with the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord, through Whom the banner of the Cross was sanctified, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our God, that, as we have had the grace to adore it, so we may forever enjoy the effect of its salutary glory. Through the same our Lord.
Communion
Psalm 78:2, 11
Through the sign of the cross deliver us from our enemies, O Thou, our God.
Postcommunion
Be Thou with us, O Lord. our God, and as Thou dost make us rejoice in honour of the holy Cross, defend us also by its perpetual assistance. Through our Lord.