"Jews want miracles for proof, and Greeks look for wisdom. As for us, we proclaim the crucified Christ, a message that is offensive to the Jews and nonsense to the Gentiles; but for those whom God has called, both Jews and Gentiles, this message is Christ, who is the power of God and the wisdom of God." (1 Corinthians 1:22-24)
The message of the Cross is offensive to many people, but the power of the Cross surpasses all. This is why the ignorant tremble and stumble before the Cross, the foolish despise it and go wayward; whereas the wise exalt the Cross, and go through to better life. In this post Catholic Front revisits the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, unveils the secrets of the Cross, and leads us to discover the treasures that are hidden hehind it. Follow me - you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8 :32).
EXALTATION OF THE CROSS
The Church celebrates the exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14 every year, as she did on September 14, 2022. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross recalls three historical events: the finding of the True Cross on which Christ was crucified, by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine; the dedication of the churches built by Constantine on the site of the Holy Sepulchre (Christ's tomb) and on Mount Calvary (site of the Crucifixion); and the restoration of the True Cross to Jerusalem by Emperor Heraclius II.
But in a deeper sense, the feast also celebrates the Holy Cross as the universal symbol of the Christian faith, which represents the victory of Christ over Satan, evil and death. The feast, thus, celebrates the transformation of the Cross from a human instrument of torture, pain and death into a divine instrument of hope, salvation and victory.
SIGN OF THE CROSS
The Crucifix is, the testimony of Christ's victory on the Cross (Colossians 2:15), of the salvation (John 3:14-15) and the redemption (Colossians 2:13-14) of the world; of the purification (Hebrew 13:12-13) of sinners, and of the healing of the sick (Isaiah 53:5)), and the deliverance of captives (Mathew 27:51-53) - all, in order to fulfill God's will of salvation for the world (John 3:16). This is why the Crucifix is, forever, the symbol of the Catholic Church.
Thus the sign of the Cross symbolizes, reminds and calls back Christ's death on the Cross, to defeat Satan, destroy death and to save the world. The sign of the Cross also stands for the descent of the Holy Spirit into the world to purify and sanctify. Thus the Sign of the Cross recalls both the Crucifixion and the Pentecost - the latter coming to fulfill the former. For through the Crucifixion Jesus went back to the Father in order for the Holy Spirit to come into the world. As the scripture says,
"But I am telling you the truth: it is better for you that I go away, because if I do not go, the Helper will not come to you. But if I do go away, then I will send him to you."(John 16:7).
The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians. In its ceremonial usage, making a sign of the cross may be, according to the context, an act of profession of faith, a prayer, a dedication, or a benediction.
VENERATION OF THE CROSS
The power of God is revealed in the Holy Cross - as the scripture says,
"For the message about Christ's death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved it is God's power." (1 Corinthians 1:18).
So, the rejection or contempt of the Cross is not only a contradiction to Christianity but also an impediment to the rewards of Christ's Salvation.
That is why the veneration of the Holy Cross should be an everyday exercise for all Christians - and not done only on September 14, to celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (or Crucifix). To venerate the Crucifix, while meditating on the Passion and Death of Christ is a powerful means of liberation from sin, satanic bondage and other forms of spiritual or physical afflictions.
The Veneration of the Crucifix deepens one's love for God, and enhances their holiness and spiritual illumination. That was how St Francis of Assisi, while contemplating the Crucifix on Saturday, September 14, 1224, saw a Seraph (or glorious angel of God) came down on him and left him with the Stigmata (or wounds) of the Crucified Christ.
MERITS OF THE CROSS.
For believers, therefore, the Cross is no longer a sign of pain and death, but that of consolation and salvation. God's love for humanity is powerfully expressed and superabundantly available on the Cross. On the Cross Jesus's desire to save souls caught its climax, and God's mercy was poured out without measure (Luke 23:34,39-43). In his agony Christ was (and is ever) eager to open heaven to whoever wants to enter.
This is the mystery and the reason why the veneration and the confession of the Crucified Christ does work miracles for those who believe in him and truly seek his Salvation. For to venerate the Cross is to acknowledge the love of God and to reciprocate it, emotionally. And because the Crucifixion was the highest expression and gift of God's love to humanity (John 3:16; 15:13-14; Romans 5:8), the Veneration of the Crucifix opens the door into God's love (Romans 8:32) and presence (Matthew 27:51-52; Hebrew 10:19-20).
ENCOUNTER WITH THE CROSS
The encounters with the cross are rife in the lives of human beings - no matter whether they are believers or pagans. . Every success or achievement in life requires some sacrifice - as the saying goes, "Nothings goes for nothing". It is not just about eternal life alone - even in the earthly things, one must give up (or give away) something to get whatever they want.
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Every sacrifice is painful just the same as - though not equal to - the agony of Christ on the Cross. However, a good or holy sacrifice is always painful but the reward is peace and joy. Whereas an evil or unholy sacrifice may be painless but the reward will be lasting pain and sorrow. So the scripture says,
"Let us also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God's approval, and his approval creates hope. This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to us." (Romans 5:3-5).
Thus those who accept their crosses in life - for the love of God - receive God's Spirit, who helps them to breakthrough. This is the deep secret and treasure behind the Cross. For the scripture says,
" You will succeed, not by military might or by your own strength, but by my Spirit. Obstacles as great as mountains will disappear before you." (Zechariah 4:6-7).
May your understanding of this secret change your vision of things and events, in order to fulfill your life's mission, by the merits of your cross, and through Christ, our Lord ; Amen.
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Author: Aying Godman, is a Catechist, Evangelist & Blogger of the Roman Church; Founder of CATHOLIC FRONT MEDIA™
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