One of the many beautiful features of Saint Aloysius church is the larger-than-life crucifix that hangs in our sanctuary. So many have remarked about how much that wonderfully imposing cross means to them: how it helps them pray, how it gives them peace, how it reminds them of God’s love made manifest in the suffering and dying of His Son. In my own reflection on the Cross of Christ, I have always been struck by a verse from the Liturgy of the Hours: “See how the Cross of Christ becomes the tree of life.” It makes sense: the suffering and dying of Christ is the sacred path to Resurrection. Good Friday is not the end of the story; Sunday is coming. Therefore, the cross, an instrument of death during the Roman occupation of Palestine, becomes the means for a profound hope and glory on Resurrection Day.
St. John Chrysostom, a fourth century priest, wrote eloquently about this, referring to the Cross as “The Tree:”
The Tree is my eternal salvation. It is my nourishment and my banquet. Amidst its roots, I cast my own roots deep. Beneath its boughs I grow. Flying from the burning heat, I have set up my tent in its shadow and have found there a resting place, fresh with dew. I flower with its flowers. Its fruits bring perfect joy, fruits which have been preserved for me since time began, fruits which now I freely eat. This tree is food, sweet food, for my hunger and a fountain for my thirst; it is clothing for my nakedness; its leaves are the breath of life. If I fear God, this is my protection; if I stumble this is my staff; this is the prize for which I fight, the reward of my victory. This is my straight and narrow path; this is Jacob’s ladder, where angels go up and down, and where the Lord himself stands at the top.
If you are looking for an image that speaks eloquently to this understanding of the Cross, I recommend the mosaic in the apse of the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome. The Crucified Christ rests on a cross that is decorated with doves, and the roots at the foot of the cross extend far and wide. The suffering of Christ is not diminished, but the life-giving truth of the Cross is beautifully portrayed. Here’s a link to the image and a great explanation of its meaning: https://english.op.org/godzdogz/art-of-the-redemption-5-the-mosaic-of-san-clemente/
As we look ahead to Holy Week, I pray that the Cross of Christ may fill your heart with the knowledge of Christ’s mercy and redeeming love. I pray also that the Cross may be a Tree of Life that leads you to a glorious Easter.
In Christ Crucified,
