The liturgy of Good Friday is most powerful. Through it we come to encounter the cross of our Blessed Lord who on this days bows His head and breaths His last. In this liturgy we have the opportunity to come forward and venerate this instrument of death and our salvation. Some do this kneeling at the cross, some coming forward to kiss these blessed wounds of our Lord, and others offering a simple touch to this wood of our salvation.
A few weeks ago Pope Francis remarked in a homily: “The image of Jesus crucified reveals the mystery of the death of the Son of God as the supreme act of love, the source of life and salvation for humanity of all times. In his wounds we have been healed.” He also stated concerning it: “Today’s Gospel invites us to turn our gaze to the crucifix, which is not an ornamental object or clothing accessory- sometimes abused!- but a religious sign to be contemplated and understood.”
I just returned from a trip to Italy where I got to visit many churches and holy places of our faith. Two saints that stick out from this trip are Saint Pio and Saint Francis. Both of these saints were given the stigmata and both of these saints had devotion to the crucifix. In the city of San Giovanni Rotondo and in the city of Assisi are churches which house the crucifix from which these blessed saints prayed.
I bring this up because like these saints we should develop devotion to the cross. Does your family have a crucifix placed in every room? If not, why not? Do you take time out of your day to glance at the cross of our Blessed Lord and meditate upon His Passion? Do you take the many crosses of your daily life and join them unto the cross of our Blessed Lord? Pope Francis’ remarks are important for us to consider for so many wear the cross around their neck or use it as a decoration, but never allow it to become an instrument of prayer and devotion.
One relic that I came across while on my pilgrimage was that of a simple crucifix, small in size, which Padre Pio kept by his bed. This crucifix he held and showered with kisses. For him this simple cross was a true mark of devotion. As we come to contemplate our Lord’s Passion on this day may we come to grow in our devotion of the cross from which we have been healed. It was from the cross that Christ took our sinfulness upon Himself as He became the sacrificial offering which would be offered “once and for all.”
On this Good Friday may we grow in our devotion to the cross. Not just on this day, but always allowing our mind and heart to be centered upon it as we come to contemplate these sacred mysteries and join ourself here especially at life’s most difficult moments.
We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.
