Raising and Carrying our cross: A symbol of faith

Crucifix on altar at Cathedral
What tells you this is the Cathedral?

On Friday we celebrated the Feast of the Exaltation (raise on high) of the Cross. Today we celebrate Home Mission Sunday, when we are called to "take up [their] cross and follow [him]" (Matthew 16:24) for "Christ also suffered for [us], leaving [us] an example so that [we] should follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21). And St Rose of Lima said:

 Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.

Things to think about  ...
Every time we say the sign of the cross we remember the three persons of the Holy Trinity, we remember our Baptism, and we remember that Jesus died on a cross and rose again to save us. 

Ideas from Cathedral's Children Liturgy Group

•  Take time to notice what you do when you say this prayer
• Consider talking to others about what actions they use and if they've ever been told anything about how they hold their hands
• As a family think about taking time to say the sign of the cross at a family meal and asking God to help you all to carry your daily cross.
• Next time you make this prayer and say Amen, which means I agree, think about what that means to you.  

In the name of the Father, 

and of the Son 

and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

The cross is a powerful symbol of our faith - it reminds us of "how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life" (John 3:16).  The readings on Friday remind us of other feasts throughout the Church year:

• Second reading Philippians 2: 8-11 ,,, [Christ] was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. And for this God raised him high,  ... is also read on Palm Sunday.
• Gospel Acclamation: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you; because by your cross you have redeemed the world is a familiar to those who pray the Stations of the Cross.  
• Gospel John 3: 13-17: For God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but so that through him the world might be saved reminds us not only of Good Friday when Jesus was nailed on the cross, but of the joy of Easter that through his resurrection we are saved. 

Catechism of the Catholic Church 

CCC 617 The Council of Trent emphasizes the unique character of Christ's sacrifice as "the source of eternal salvation" and teaches that "his most holy Passion on the wood of the cross merited justification for us." And the Church venerates his cross as she sings: "Hail, O Cross, our only hope." 



Have you ever wondered ...?
What is the catechism?
What is a Council?
When was the Council of Trent?
In every walk of life there is technical language, over the coming months we will be trying to explain what some of the technical language of the church means - if you have any questions, please use our contact us form to let us know the things you would like explaining.