Q
quiet52
Guest
Both the crucifix and the bare cross would be acceptable.
Our many symbols of faith can help us to encounter Jesus. The crucifix and the bare cross are both important symbols. There is nothing “wrong” with using a bare cross. I didn’t know it was called a “resurrection cross” until I was in my 30s when someone mentioned there is conflict between Catholics and some other Christians re: crucifixes and bare crosses.
The bare cross was used liturgically and in private devotion before crucifixes were used. Crucifixes weren’t popular until several hundred years after Jesus. The experience of kissing and praying at the empty cross during the Good Friday Service is a powerful one. As is the experience of adoring our Lord and thanking Him for his sacrifice as we gaze upon a crucifix during mass or other times. When I was a kid, I thought bare crosses were to remind us that Jesus was made to carry a cross and that each of us has our crosses to bear.
I have a crucifix on my living room wall, and I am blessed by it every day. I am also blessed by the small silver cross taped on my computer monitor. I know I’d be upset if there were no crucifix in my church, because it visibly reminds of a large part of what we are celebrating during mass. As to “cross versus crucifix” I think it’s okay to have a preference, but it’s just plain ol’ silly to criticize people for preferring one over the other.
Our many symbols of faith can help us to encounter Jesus. The crucifix and the bare cross are both important symbols. There is nothing “wrong” with using a bare cross. I didn’t know it was called a “resurrection cross” until I was in my 30s when someone mentioned there is conflict between Catholics and some other Christians re: crucifixes and bare crosses.
The bare cross was used liturgically and in private devotion before crucifixes were used. Crucifixes weren’t popular until several hundred years after Jesus. The experience of kissing and praying at the empty cross during the Good Friday Service is a powerful one. As is the experience of adoring our Lord and thanking Him for his sacrifice as we gaze upon a crucifix during mass or other times. When I was a kid, I thought bare crosses were to remind us that Jesus was made to carry a cross and that each of us has our crosses to bear.
I have a crucifix on my living room wall, and I am blessed by it every day. I am also blessed by the small silver cross taped on my computer monitor. I know I’d be upset if there were no crucifix in my church, because it visibly reminds of a large part of what we are celebrating during mass. As to “cross versus crucifix” I think it’s okay to have a preference, but it’s just plain ol’ silly to criticize people for preferring one over the other.