Christ Is Risen, So Why Is There a Crucifix in Every Church?

[Michie]

The Crucifixion shows us most clearly what true love looks like.

One of the many accusations made against the Catholic Church is that we should not have crucifixes hanging all over the place. Jesus rose from the dead. The work is done. The Cross is empty. Why is Jesus still on the cross in every Catholic Church? Wouldn’t a bare cross more gloriously proclaim the power of God in the Resurrection? As St. John Paul II said, “We are the Easter people.” But if we are the Easter people, why have crucifixes?

First of all, let’s be clear: Jesus rose from the dead. Nevertheless, it is still more than appropriate for us to create, venerate and meditate on images of Jesus on the Cross. I don’t claim to be giving the specific reasons people first began to paint and sculpt crucifixes, but I want to give a list of reasons I have come to believe that it is right to have a crucifix front and center in every Church.

The Crucifixion is a tacit pledge of the resurrection.

The Crucifixion reveals the all-consuming heat of the infinite fire of divine love, the same love that creates and sustains the cosmos.

The Crucifixion is Christ’s marriage bed where he was wedded to the Church (St. Augustine).

The Crucifixion shows us most clearly how God loves us, not just how much, but the manner in which He loves us. Love is not just about quantity, but about quality. He is willing to suffer.

Continued below.

Christ Is Risen, So Why Is There a Crucifix in Every Church?

The Crucifixion shows us most clearly what true love looks like.

www.ncregister.com

 

[Chesster]

Strange that he doesn’t mention that the Eucharist re-presents the sacrifice of the cross and that the sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice. God transcends time and brings Calvary to us here and now. We stand at the foot of the cross at every Mass.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Strange that he doesn’t mention that the Eucharist re-presents the sacrifice of the cross and that the sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice. God transcends time and brings Calvary to us here and now. We stand at the foot of the cross at every Mass.

Remember that the Eucharist is a "living" sacrifice.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

"The Crucifixion is an invitation to me to embrace my own suffering, unite it with Jesus, and offer it up."

This point is emphasized in Salvifici Doloris.

if you haven't read it,

Salvifici Doloris (February 11, 1984)

www.vatican.va

 

[fide]

There are several ways to hear and understand

Remember that the Eucharist is a "living" sacrifice.

Thank you for this, Jim - and there are several ways to hear and understand this sentence. To add to the conversation, I came across a very beautiful paper/presentation,
THE EUCHARIST, THE LIFE OF CHRIST IN OUR LIVES: SPIRITUAL WORSHIP AND AUTHENTIC ADORATION, by Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, S.T.D., Bishop of Imus, Philippines, Quebéc, Thursday, June 19, 2008. The bishop/author of this reveals deep insight into the sacrifice of Jesus, and the effect it has on people, and on us if we will "see" more of what God was "saying" in the ministry of the Son and of the Spirit.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

There are several ways to hear and understand

Thank you for this, Jim - and there are several ways to hear and understand this sentence. To add to the conversation, I came across a very beautiful paper/presentation,
THE EUCHARIST, THE LIFE OF CHRIST IN OUR LIVES: SPIRITUAL WORSHIP AND AUTHENTIC ADORATION, by Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, S.T.D., Bishop of Imus, Philippines, Quebéc, Thursday, June 19, 2008. The bishop/author of this reveals deep insight into the sacrifice of Jesus, and the effect it has on people, and on us if we will "see" more of what God was "saying" in the ministry of the Son and of the Spirit.

you're welcome!

It's also the Eucharistic Prayer III at Mass

Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial
of the saving Passion of your Son,
his wondrous Resurrection
and Ascension into heaven,
and as we look forward to his second coming,
we offer you in thanksgiving
this holy and living sacrifice.