Daily Reflections ...

The Crucifix may be the most common sign of a Catholic home while Protestant Christians often prefer a simple cross or a cross with a figure of the resurrected Jesus. Catholics are often considered morbid in their appreciation of a crucified Jesus, but there is something really beautiful about this.

The moment when Jesus was lifted up on the cross is the moment he took up the suffering and sin of the world for our sake. It’s the moment of his most profound act of obedience and it’s the time in his life where he was most loving. It was so painful for him, and yet he did not do it out of duty, but out of love. His love was so strong for us, that he willingly took on indescribable pain. This love is the same love that God has for us always and forever. This is the reason that the crucifix is so central in homes and Churches throughout the Catholic world because we adore the love behind the act.

When our hearts are softened and open to the love that God has for us, we inevitably experience a desire to respond. This is natural to humanity. If we experience the love of another, we desire to respond with love. Our lives can be shaped by the love we see in Jesus on the cross. We have the freedom to respond to this love by giving back, by loving those who persecute us and by being self-sacrificial.

As we make the sign of the cross or hang a crucifix in our house, let’s be conscious of God’s great love for us. It’s the love that all people crave; the infinite love of God.

by David Kruse