The Cross

Today is Good Friday.

At 2pm, I will drive to our local Cathedral and participate in the Celebration of Our Lord’s Passion.

To those unfamiliar with the Good Friday service (it is not a Mass), the day will include a reading of the Passion account from John’s Gospel, Veneration of the Cross, and then Holy Communion (consecrated last night).

It’s the Veneration of the Cross that I’m reflecting upon.

A cross, veiled in purple since the beginning of Passiontide, will be brought before the altar. A deacon will present the cross to the bishop who will ceremoniously uncover the top part of the cross, and then the right arm, and finally remove the cloth.

If circumstances allow, the bishop will remove his chasuble and shoes then venerate and adore the cross. It will be a great sign of humility and harkens back to the time of Moses when he removed his sandals before the great I Am in the form of the Burning Bush.

After the other clergy venerate the cross, it will be time for the laity to approach.

Our solemn procession brings us to confront the most horrific instrument of death used by Roman executioners reserved only for the vilest of criminals.

The sweetest form of veneration will come in the form of a kiss. Others will simply touch the cross or bow before it.

To those outside Christendom, including most Protestants, this display may seem utterly confounding.

Why would anyone want to celebrate an instrument of torture? We don’t.

We venerate the Cross in humble thanksgiving and adoration for the gift of salvation offered by Jesus.  We do not adore the actual wood but what it represents… for Christ’s sacrifice cannot be separated from the Cross.

With this reality before me, I know that my heart will be moved and, if the past is any indication, tears will follow.

So, what happens at 3:00pm?

What happens tomorrow? Or a week or a month from today?  Will I still be willing to continue this veneration the Cross by carrying my own?

This is my desire and hope.

But, for today, I will focus on the Cross of Christ:

We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has Redeemed the World.

Please pray for me as I pray for you.