September
While the autumn season does not begin until the end of the month, September does in fact mark the unofficial end of summer. Whether it’s Labor Day in America or the end of Ferragosto in Italy, one gears oneself up to reassume the regular routine of life. The Church during the month of September reminds us of the importance of having Christ in the center of our lives as it celebrates The Exultation of the Holy Cross on 14 September.
The crucifix prior to the 13th century depicted a glorified Christ on the cross. The corpus is not beaten or drenched in blood. Rather, a very serene and an almost distant Jesus is seen. This is because the Church wanted to show that the crucifixion and death of our Lord was the victory over the devil as He manifested by His resurrection on Easter Sunday. As the theology of Christ developed, late Medieval art depicted the suffering Christ on the Cross. Perhaps an attempt to make Christ more personal and thus refine our approach in prayer. Nevertheless, the application is the same: we must be able to deal with the hardships of life if we want that eternal peace. And, the one who assists us is Mary.
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on the 8th of September reminds us that we need the intercession of Mary. This is why in the various Eucharistic prayers, Mary’s name must always be mentioned. Why? Because Christ faithful and obedient to the Commandments Honoured Father and Mother. He also gave her unto us as our heavenly mother when He was upon the cross (John 19, 26 – 27). Thus, we not only have an advocate in Mary but an example on how to live the virtues of Christ.
