SEPTEMBER 14 EXALATION OF THE HOLY CROSS. Prayer to the cross of Christ

We bless you, Lord, Holy Father,
because in the richness of your love,
from the tree that had brought man death and ruin,
you brought forth the medicine of salvation and life.
The Lord Jesus, priest, teacher and king,
the hour of his Easter has come,
voluntarily climbed on that wood
and made it the altar of sacrifice,
the chair of truth,
the throne of his glory.
Raised off the ground he triumphed over the ancient opponent
and wrapped in the purple of his blood
with merciful love he attracted everyone to himself;
open your arms on the cross he offered to you, Father,
the sacrifice of life
and infused his redemptive force
in the sacraments of the new covenant;
dying revealed to the disciples
the mysterious meaning of that word:
the grain of wheat that dies in the furrows of the earth
it produces an abundant harvest.
Now we pray to you, Almighty God,
make your children worship the Cross of the Redeemer,
draw the fruits of salvation
which he deserved with his passion;
on this glorious wood
nail their sins,
break their pride,
heal the infirmity of the human condition;
take comfort in the test,
safety in danger,
and strong in his protection
they walk the roads of the world unharmed,
until you, oh Father,
you will welcome them in your home.
For Christ our Lord. Amen".