Behold, the wood of the Cross! Mother Church not embarrassed by the Cross of Jesus, exalts it for all to see. Jesus lifted up draws all people to himself. It is not merely enough to behold the exalted cross, we must carry and embrace it. "Behold, the wood of the cross on which has hung the Saviour of the world. The cross is also the exaltation of Jesus. It is from this exalted pulpit Jesus preaches his seven last words and proclaims his complete consecration to the Father: his poverty, emptying himself and stripped of all human dignity exposed to the raving multitude; his chastity as with open arms he embraces the whole world; his obedience even unto death. In life, Jesus taught us how to live; on the cross, he teaches us how to die!