Change Of Heart

Part Two of A Dot Mom Prays™

I would bet that most of us can describe a defining moment in our faith. Whether its a first sacrament, baptism or the moment when we received  our Saviour.

For me, having been raised Roman Catholic, things went a little differently. We never had Bible studies, questions on salvation or the like. Never mind going to retreats, tent meetings and etc.

When I was a junior in highschool all that changed. More than that, I changed.

The Church in big city of Birmingham wasn’t just a little behind the times when it came to dealing with its youth. But, thanks to a priest who’d been at a parish in California (somewhere I’m not sure of exactly the city), the Search for Christian Maturity retreat became a reality in my home town.  It probably wouldn’t have been so changing and defining had I ever explored the ginormous Bible that resided on the coffee table in the living room. (The living room was off limits, except on Christmas and when there were special guests. And rule #1, DON’T TOUCH THAT BIBLE) Catholicism in those days didn’t investigate the Bible at all (that I remember) let alone invite the general lay population to comment on it.  So, this retreat, with its reading of the Bible, introspection and all out youthful commentary was quite eye opening. Speakers discussed things like Commitment, Grace, Salvation and Peace. While we celebrated Mass on all three days, we had small group prayer and contemplation through out the days. I saw my own life change and I wittnessed to countless others who’s lives were changed, as I participated in the retreats as a counselor and leader.

I’ve carried those experiences though out my adult life as well as the Jerusalem Cross. Back in the day, it was considered a bit radical since it was not a crucifix. (ya know just how radical this old hippie is right?)

Why do Catholics wear a Crucifix with Christ on the Cross?

This is quite a common question non-Catholics ask. They cannot seem to understand why Catholics wear chains with Christ crucified. Non-Catholics believe that Christ is risen from the dead and does not belong on the cross. Christ rose from the dead, but He did not want us to forget what He did for us, and our miserable sins. Only because Jesus died upon the cross does the cross then become a sacred object. If you remove Christ from the cross you get two things, first you get the symbol of ancient Rome, a symbol of suffering and dying-a symbol of punishment. The second thing you get is the small letter “t”. Do you think our Lord Jesus Christ suffered indescribable torments for us, not to be remembered on the cross? No! The cross with Christ upon it is a reminder of the love He has for us. The crucifix is also a way to help keep us humble and reminds us not to sin. The crucifix is a reminder for us that it was our sins that nailed Him to the cross.

(1 Cor 1:23-24) Peter states: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

(John 3:14) Jesus states: And as Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Jesus Himself tells us that He must be lifted up onto the cross, so that in this way people will believe and have eternal life.

So what’s a Jerusalem Cross?

The Jerusalem Cross, also known as the Crusaders Cross and the Five-Fold Cross, is comprised of Greek and Tau crosses. Four Tau crosses meet in the center creating a Greek cross. Four additional Greek crosses, one in each corner, make a total of five crosses. The symbolism of the five crosses has been explained in a variety of ways.

Here are a few.

• The five crosses represent the five wounds Jesus received on the cross. The large center cross represents the wound in Jesus’ side while the four smaller crosses represent the wounds he received in his hands and feet.
• The large center cross represents Jesus and the four smaller crosses represent the four Gospel writers. The four smaller crosses represent the four corners of the earth to which the gospel is being taken or for which Jesus died.
• The five crosses represent the five nations active in the Crusades: Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The five crosses represent the five principalities of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem Cross was employed as an emblem by the Crusaders. Godfrey de Bouillon, who became the first ruler of Jerusalem after it was captured from the Moslems in 1099, wore the Jerusalem Cross as his symbol. Jerusalem Cross: was used as a coat of arms for the Latin Kingdom in Jerusalem. During the Crusades, it was referred to as the “Crusaders Cross”. The four small crosses are symbolic of the four Gospels proclaimed to the four corners of the earth, beginning in Jerusalem; the large cross symbolizes the person of Christ.

”… and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:38-39

Do you have a defining moment in faith? What are your thoughts on the crucifix and the cross? Which do you wear, if either?