Unveiling Of The Crucifix On Good Friday?

[Bravo_6]

I see many people at my parish genuflect three times whilst walking down the aisle before kneeling at the communion rail to kiss the feet of Our Lord on the crucifix.I have also adopted this custom.Does this symbolize the three notable falls of Christ on His way to Calvary?This is how I interpret it.

 

[zab]

I see many people at my parish genuflect three times whilst walking down the aisle before kneeling at the communion rail to kiss the feet of Our Lord on the crucifix.I have also adopted this custom.Does this symbolize the three notable falls of Christ on His way to Calvary?This is how I interpret it.

It may be a local custom. Your interpretation sounds logical. Our custom has always been to kiss the cross. Some people, like myself, kiss the cross and not the figure on it. For me, this signifies that I accept all of the sufferings in my life and offer them to God in union with Christ’s suffering in reparation for my own sins and for the conversion of sinners and the salvation of souls. Others, kiss some area on the figure of Christ, such as the wounds on his feet, hands, head, and heart. But as we are getting older it is sometimes difficult for some of us to kiss the cross, depending on how it set up. Some some choose to genuflect or bow as a sign of reverence.

 

[CB_Catholic]

I see many people at my parish genuflect three times whilst walking down the aisle before kneeling at the communion rail to kiss the feet of Our Lord on the crucifix.I have also adopted this custom.Does this symbolize the three notable falls of Christ on His way to Calvary?This is how I interpret it.

I have never seen this done in any parish I have been in, it probably is just a custom in yours, and maybe in other places. Doing things three times is pretty standard among Catholics for many things–the number 3 symbolizes completeness and perfection, so we tend to do things like cross ourselves three times (esp. Eastern Catholics), or pour water 3 times over the head of those being baptized. We seem to like the number 3.

Come to think of it, genuflecting three times when approaching the Cross on Good Friday could symbolize our recognition that now all is complete and the perfect Sacrifice has been made.

 

[Crumpy]

The adoration of the cross is a pious devotion invented by the Church. We Catholics don’t always know the origins of these small-t traditions.

I thought that the corpus on the cross is kissed, not the wood.

The whole observance is intended to slow us down and think about the mysteries of our redemption. It is in no way equivalent or in no ways surpasses our devotion to the Eucharist during the exposition.

In our diocese, a past bishop removed the large crucifixes that were so traditional in Catholic Churches. Now, the crucifix is seen only in the processional cross.

 

[zab]

I thought that the corpus on the cross is kissed, not the wood.

Jesus said, "If you want to be my disciples, then take up your cross and follow me. " Kissing the wood of the cross is a sign of embracing the cross in our own lives. At the Good Friday Service the intonation by the priest is sung “Behold the wood of the cross on which hung the Savior of the world” and the people respond, “Come let us worship”

 

[johnthebaptist1]

As we approch the Cross after it,s unveiled on Good Friday,I kiss the wounds of Jesus,and speak to him at the Cross,and say, Lord, I Kiss the Cross, to show how much I Love you,and to let you know that, it should of had been me suffering on the Cross, but you did it because you Love us,and because it was your Fathers will,so that we could be saved.