This much I love you as we look at the Cross of Christ:

This much I love you as we look at the Cross of Christ:

Stand before a crucifix and see the marks of human endeavor that do not go away.  It is the suffering of human endurance that told us how much our God would undergo as the pain of crucifixion was more than any human being could withstand.  There might be some who will tell the rest of us that God doesn’t feel pain so what is this that we place so much on his bleeding from spikes that pierced his weakened body until death?

This is the very scenario that Christ assumed humanity through the Incarnation;  not to walk around with those he chose as companions but to take upon himself the very cruelty from the ones whom he came to forgive.  Can anyone imagine the evil intent of humans to scourge a hero for being so ready to accept ignominy in his quest to overlook the sinfulness of Adam's children?

When I look upon the many Christians who wear a cross and appear to be followers of Christ I often wonder how much they really feel the pain he suffered?  Enter the sense of displaying a crucifix at Holy Mass especially during the funeral rite adhering to our acceptance of what the cross really means.  

Place two pictures of Christ side by side; the Sacred Heart and Christ hanging on the cross with his head bowed down in death.  Of course both are more than symbols of his love and there cannot be a distinction of more importance of one over the other.  The cross upon which our Lord hung and died showed his eternal love through suffering; the Sacred Heart is the extended warmth of a God who so loved the human soul that the rays of perfect love reached into the heart of every person who will always seek to absorb this unending Light of Mercy.

During the Easter Vigil Mass we share the symbols of his love in stages.  The Paschal candle and the words spoken by the celebrant; “O God, who through your Son bestowed upon the faithful the fire of your glory, sanctify this new fire, we pray, and grant that, by these paschal celebrations, we may be so inflamed with heavenly desires, that with minds made pure we may attain festivities of unending splendor.”  

When the procession begins only the Paschal candle is lit and the Church sings a response to “Christ our Light” thanks be to God.  This is fire.  The rest of the Vigil Mass brings Baptism (water) and Confirmation if there is anyone prepared for this Sacrament (the completion of Baptism).  All of this celebration leads to the Cross which brings all of us to the Resurrection, the very essence of Christ’s Incarnation and his willingness to suffer before the cross.  

This is our journey as well and why the crucifix is so important when wearing one or at least adhering to its distinct meaning. 

Ralph B. Hathaway