The importance of symbols in our culture cannot be underestimated. A symbol is a type of shorthand that connects us to a person, an event, or an ideal. Even today more than 60 years and two generations after their defeat, the swastika of the Nazi party still reminds us of the horror and brutality that man can bring down upon himself.
Today we honor the Holy Cross. There is perhaps no more recognizable a symbol in the entire world. This in itself is a miracle. An instrument of execution for criminals has become over the last 2000 years a symbol of hope, salvation, and healing. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recognize this and felt it was so important that in the year 2000 they published guidelines that among other things state:
“The cross with the image of Christ crucified is a reminder of Christ’s paschal mystery. It draws us into the mystery of suffering and makes tangible our belief that our suffering when united with the passion and death of Christ leads to redemption. There should be a crucifix ‘positioned either on the altar or near it, and . . . clearly visible to the people gathered there.’”
By displaying the cross we openly identify ourselves with Christ and proclaim the healing power of His death and resurrection.
St. Augustine tells how the cross heals our two greatest wounds. It heals human despair by the free gift of mercy. And it heals our arrogance and pride by showing us the divine humility.
Pax Vobiscum
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
The Vision of Saint Helena – Veronese, Paolo Veronese was an Italian Renaissance painter based in Venice, most famous for large history paintings of both religious and mythological subjects.