Every year on September 14, the Church invites us to celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross—a feast that may sound paradoxical at first. How can we exalt a symbol of suffering, pain, and death? Yet for us Christians, the Cross is not a sign of shame, but the greatest sign of God’s love.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to the large crowds following Him, but His words are not what they expect to hear. Instead of promising comfort or reward, He speaks about the cost of being His disciple:
“If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus observes how guests at a banquet choose places of honor. He then teaches:
“When you are invited, go and sit at the lowest place.”
This simple advice reveals a deep truth — humility is the foundation of true greatness.
In a world that often rewards pride and self-promotion, Jesus reminds us that the heart pleasing to God is the one that serves quietly and trusts completely.
The Regional Celebration of the 100th Death Anniversary of the Servant of God, Fr. Leo John Dehon, SCJ, founder of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, was joyfully held on August 26, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Formation House in Cagayan de Oro City. The day was filled with prayer, reflection, fraternity, and thanksgiving—a fitting tribute to a man whose life and mission continue to inspire the Dehonian Family around the world.
Jesus says in today’s Gospel:
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” (Luke 13:24)
The narrow gate is not about numbers — it is about discipleship. Not shortcuts, not appearances, but discipline, sacrifice, and love.
SCJ Philippines Region 