Is my Crucifix too large?

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AnnaTheresa

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I ordered a crucifix necklace made from olive wood. It’s very beautiful and I like it very much. I was not, however, expecting the crucifix to be as large as it is (it’s about 3 inches). The first one I ordered was even larger. I gave the larger one away, and by the time this one came in the mail I was not ready to try again, especially since everything else about it is exactly what I wanted. Not only that, but I didn’t mind and have really grown to like its larger size. It’s size makes it easy for me to see and so I am always reminded of the Lord’s Passion. It has helped me to stay focused and send up many prayers to Heaven.

Anyway, someone I know saw me wearing it one day and told me that my crucifix is too large. I like my crucifix, but her comment makes me wonder. She suggested that the larger size gives the impression that I am acting like the Pharisees of old who liked to be seen as pious by others. Honestly, I was rather shocked and 😊 even though that could not be further from my true intention for wearing it.

Do you think my friend is right?
 
I think you’re fine with the large crucifix since you have the right intentions. Continue to wear it if it is helping you to pray.
 
If you like it, than it is just the right size. Continue wear it.
 
If you have pure intentions no. I say examine your intentions. It can also be a sign of courage to wear a conspicuous crucifix but again - all depends on your intentions and heart
 
No, because your intentions are right. Wear it and be happy you have it.👍
 
AnnaTheresa said:
I ordered a crucifix necklace made from olive wood. It’s very beautiful and I like it very much. I was not, however, expecting the crucifix to be as large as it is (it’s about 3 inches). The first one I ordered was even larger. I gave the larger one away, and by the time this one came in the mail I was not ready to try again, especially since everything else about it is exactly what I wanted. Not only that, but I didn’t mind and have really grown to like its larger size. It’s size makes it easy for me to see and so I am always reminded of the Lord’s Passion. It has helped me to stay focused and send up many prayers to Heaven.

Anyway, someone I know saw me wearing it one day and told me that my crucifix is too large. I like my crucifix, but her comment makes me wonder. She suggested that the larger size gives the impression that I am acting like the Pharisees of old who liked to be seen as pious by others. Honestly, I was rather shocked and 😊 even though that could not be further from my true intention for wearing it.

Do you think my friend is right?
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I think your friend is jealous! I agree, I wear/have larger things since my eye sight is so bad. I can’t help the bling, blame the glaucoma lol!

Kat
 
AnnaTheresa said:
Anyway, someone I know saw me wearing it one day and told me that my crucifix is too large … She suggested that the larger size gives the impression that I am acting like the Pharisees of old who liked to be seen as pious by others.
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If that’s the way she sees it, then that’s *her *problem. 🙂 In fact, I find it kind of odd to think of large pectoral crucifixes to be Pharisaical. What? Is every Bishop a Pharisee for that reason?

Let’s keep in mind that the Pharisees were, above all, hypocrites. They honored God with their mouths, and with their actions, but their hearts were far from Him. But Jesus knows your heart, and you know that you shouldn’t stop doing things to love Him out of human respect.

Moreover, a large crucifix can communicate that you are wearing it strictly for *religious *purposes, and not merely as a fashion statement. Many individuals wear crucifixes, and not all of them are doing so because they love God, or because they want to quietly evangelize those around them.
 
Yes, since she wears it for religious purposes, and it reminds her of Christ’s passion and resurrection, I think it’s fine. I have seen rosaries marketed as jewelry, as decorative pieces only, and that is not right. One should not wear a rosary as a decorative necklace. But the OP is making a statement of faith, so I think it’s fine. I have a sterling silver and gold crucifix I wear all the time. It is a little smaller than the OP’s, maybe two inches, but like the OP, I love mine, and it reminds me of Christ all the time.

I think the OP should wear her crucifix and be very happy with it and never mind what others say. The OP’s intentions are in the right place, God bless her.
 
AttendeDomine said:
If that’s the way she sees it, then that’s *her *problem. 🙂 In fact, I find it kind of odd to think of large pectoral crucifixes to be Pharisaical. What? Is every Bishop a Pharisee for that reason?

Let’s keep in mind that the Pharisees were, above all, hypocrites. They honored God with their mouths, and with their actions, but their hearts were far from Him. But Jesus knows your heart, and you know that you shouldn’t stop doing things to love Him out of human respect.

Moreover, a large crucifix can communicate that you are wearing it strictly for *religious *purposes, and not merely as a fashion statement. Many individuals wear crucifixes, and not all of them are doing so because they love God, or because they want to quietly evangelize those around them.
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My friend sees nothing wrong with religious who wear large crucifixes. She says it’s different with lay people. As an example, she doesn’t think it’s polite for lay Catholics to talk too much to others about religion or try to get them interested but that it’s okay for a priest or nun.
 
Lily_Bernans said:
Yes, since she wears it for religious purposes, and it reminds her of Christ’s passion and resurrection, I think it’s fine. I have seen rosaries marketed as jewelry, as decorative pieces only, and that is not right. One should not wear a rosary as a decorative necklace. But the OP is making a statement of faith, so I think it’s fine. I have a sterling silver and gold crucifix I wear all the time. It is a little smaller than the OP’s, maybe two inches, but like the OP, I love mine, and it reminds me of Christ all the time.

I think the OP should wear her crucifix and be very happy with it and never mind what others say. The OP’s intentions are in the right place, God bless her.
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Thank you so much. 🙂
 
katpants said:
I think your friend is jealous! I agree, I wear/have larger things since my eye sight is so bad. I can’t help the bling, blame the glaucoma lol!

Kat
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My friend seemed genuinely upset that I was wearing it. Just yesterday she again offered to give me a small metal crucifix necklace which I respectfully declined. I really do love the one I have and just wish she would understand that.
 
I wish I knew where you bought your cross. I am allergic to anything with nickel in it I do have a wooden cross on a cord, but there is no body. Don’t suppose you would send me the address of where you purchased the cross-in a PM-maybe? Peace…
 
Mary_Estelle said:
I wish I knew where you bought your cross. I am allergic to anything with nickel in it I do have a wooden cross on a cord, but there is no body. Don’t suppose you would send me the address of where you purchased the cross-in a PM-maybe? Peace…
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I believe it was purchased from the Holy Land Market. I bought it sometimes last year. I’m not home at the moment but will take a picture of the one I have and post it.

I don’t like to wear metals because of their possible toxicity. Silver and gold are fine but can be expensive. I used to wear a solid gold crucifix for many years which was a gift from my father but gave that to my sister. I personally love olive wood. I have olive wood rosaries too and they have a natural olive wood scent to them. Makes me think of the Garden of Olives. I love olives, can you tell? 🙂
 
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