Category Archives: Holy Cross

Why do we give so much honour to the Holy Cross? Besides being the symbol of Christianity, the Holy Cross brings to light many fundamental truths taught by the Catholic Church. It is the symbol of Divine Love: for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. It is the symbol of salvation: through Jesus Christ and the Sacrament of Baptism, those who believe in Him and obey His teachings, will enjoy eternal life in the Kingdom of God. It is also the symbol of Divine compassion: God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but in order that the world may be saved through Jesus.

Everywhere we look, the symbol of the Holy Cross is present to remind us of the infinite sacrifice Jesus did for our redemption. The sign of the Cross is found in the Sacred Liturgy. The Cross is in all Christian festivals. It is in the Rite of Adoration and is the symbol of blessing. It is found in the dedication of Churches, in certain Christian schools, homes, in certain Christian hospitals, seminaries, convents, Religious Orders, and even in cemeteries. In many places, we would come across the Holy Cross in its various designs and forms.

Today, let us look up to the Holy Cross as our symbol of faith and salvation. Let us always honour the work of Christ that was manifested through the Holy Cross, the true symbol of love, compassion and forgiveness. Let us too learn to take up our cross and follow Jesus, learning from Him and spreading His Good News to all the ends of the earth.

What is the meaning of the cross? Why do we celebrate this Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross? The Cross of Jesus Christ does not promise us success, fame, health, or pleasure. The Cross only promises us that Jesus will be with us, no matter how badly we suffer, no matter how difficult the situation we may face, and no matter how horribly we feel. Jesus said, “Behold I am with you always until the end of the age.” It is through His Cross that Jesus is with us.

God enters into the depth of human experience through Jesus’ crucifixion and death. This means that we are not alone. The Holy Cross means that God chose to suffer with us and for us, and to save us from our sins. In our churches, the only image that is explicitly required is a cross, depicting Christ crucified. How often do we struggle to believe in God when things are going well? How much more do we need to remember that God is with us, even in our sufferings?

The Holy Cross becomes a sign of hope. When we gaze upon the Holy Cross, we can believe that there is hope beyond our suffering, our trials and difficulties, our failures, and our loss. We can believe that there is hope because God will not abandon us. Jesus turned the Cross, an instrument of cruelty and shame, into a symbol of God’s love and glory. As He hung on that Cross, He transformed the world and transformed history. Let us always be thankful and grateful of the power and promise of the Cross, and willingly share its sign with the world.