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The other day, I was “shouted” at online over a post where I had used a picture of a crucifix.
“GET HIM OFF THE CROSS, HE’S ALIVE! We worship a living God.”
A few things…
First, no Catholic on earth thinks we worship a dead God. I’m fairly certain on that, because what would be the point?
Second, Catholics use both crucifixes and crosses. For example, as I was visiting the interior of Turkey, I got to see how many of the earliest Christians lived. Here and there, you could find places where they had carved crosses in the mounds of volcanic rock. And they were also painting what you see here. This painting is from a monastery founded by St. Basil, who was around in the 300s. I don’t know exactly when this was painted, but it ain’t new.
Depictions of Christ on the Cross and crucifixes have been apart of our faith for millennia, longer than any Protestant use of strictly a simple cross.
Third, every Mass is a re-presentation of the Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Christ, through the person of the priest, re-presents in an unbloody manner, His Body and Blood to the Father and then we participate in Holy Communion. The crucifixes hanging up in our Catholic Churches are a visual for what is actually happening.
Fourth, it reminds us of what discipleship looks like. I read today, “Just as the truth of Jesus is found only in the cross, so is the secret of discipleship. To be a follower of Jesus is to share intimately in His life and destiny.” As Christians, we will suffer, just like Christ.
Fifth, the cross is not our salvation. Christ ON the cross is the source of our salvation. Other people died on crosses in the ancient word, they did not save mankind. We need to be reminded of what Our Lord did for us.
Sixth, we are humans beings who experience the world through our senses. I need to see what my salvation cost. Yes, we worship a living God who conquered death, but I need to be reminded of what nailed Christ to the Cross—my sins. Each time I look, I am humbled and resolved to strive for holiness.
There are many reasons why crucifixes are apart of our faith life, Catholic Pilgrims, and none of it has to do with denying that God is a living God.
Have a blessed Tuesday.
ITALY PILGRIMAGE
‘Journey with the Saints’
OCTOBER 23-31, 2023
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Day Two of US landmarks and Catholic connections in our lead up to America's 250th Birthday. Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri The Arch was built between February 12, 1963, and October 28, 1965. Amazingly, there were no fatalities during the building of this incredible structure. You can ride all the way to the top, which is not for those who get weak in the knees over heights. (Looking at my sister) There is an amazing museum under the Arch, which actually gives loads of Catholic history. St. Louis was founded in 1764 by French Catholics and named after St. Louis IX, King of France. Very near the Arch is the Old Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis which is one of the oldest buildings in the downtown area and has survived fires. It really is a lovely church. If you are visiting the Arch, you can easily visit the Old Cathedral, as well. Have a blessed day, Catholic Pilgrims.
Continue ReadingIn a little more than 30 days, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. In a spirit of patriotism, I am going to take the next 30 days and show one US landmark per day until July 4th. My goal: To find some Catholic connection to those landmarks. It's not always going to be easy, but I will do my best. I have lived all over this country from sea to shining sea--literally. Our military life has taken us up, down, across, and back across numerous times. I've lived east coast, west coast, deep south, midwest, and lots of desert. Lots of desert. I've lived in big cities, mid-sized cities, smallish cities, and no city. Because I've lived here, there, and everywhere, I truly do know how great our country is and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. So, first up is Independence Hall where the document to declare our independence was signed. In 2015, my family went on a guided tour through Independence Hall. We went into the Assembly Room where the Declaration of Independence was signed. As everyone moved out of that room, I stayed back and stood in there all by myself. I said a word of thanks to the men who took a great risk to sign that document. I swear something about them still lingers in that room. The Catholic Connection? This one is easy. Charles Carroll of Carrolton was the only Catholic to sign the document. He is noted for being the longest-lived and last surviving signer. He died in 1832 at the age of 95. This series will only be positive, so if you feel the temptation to spout off some unpatriotic nonsense, Uncle Sam will see you to the door and promptly delete your comment. He and I are tired of it. 😎 Patriotism is a virtue, Catholic Pilgrims, and I hope this series reminds you that it's okay to love your country. Have a blessed day.
Continue ReadingWhen we were stationed in Turkey, my husband was commander of an air base squadron. The installation was literally on two floors of a hotel and, yes, we even had a commissary and a BX. We were a tight-knit group, as we were confined to a small space and saw each other frequently. I started to notice that when I would go into the club or, any place really, the younger troops would mind their P's and Q's. At first, I thought it was because my presence was like having mom around, but I later realized that when they saw me, they saw an extension of my husband. I knew it wasn't because they saw me as mom, as other older women did not affect the same kind of reaction. This always made me smile, not because I enjoyed the attention, but because it signaled the reality of the oneness of marriage. To see me, is to see my husband and vice versa. The other day, our oldest daughter was speaking to her dad and she said, "I don't know if what you are saying is coming from Momma's thoughts or yours." My husband said, "Well, that's hard to say, because your mom and I are pretty in sync about most things." Though it isn't perfect, I believe marriage is one of the strongest analogies for the Holy Trinity. Again, not perfect, but we can come to understand the Trinity just a bit by looking at a loving marriage. When my husband and I were married, we became one. Two distinct persons, yet still one. Most people will tell you that if you see me, they can't help but also think of Dustin. The same goes for him. The product of our love is our children. Our love created other distinct people and we are all united in the oneness of our family which is held by our marriage. God the Father is Lover, God the Son is the Beloved, and God the Holy Spirit is the Love that unites them. Because God is Love, Love is a person, the Holy Spirit. Three distinct Persons in One. It's a deep mystery and one that we can't fully grasp or comprehend. We will never be able to use human words to fully articulate the mystery of the Holy Trinity. That's because, well, we aren't God. But, these mysteries sure are wonderful things to ponder and be in awe of, Catholic Pilgrims.
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