The altar of
the New Covenant is the Lord's Cross, from which the sacraments of the Paschal
mystery flow. On the altar, which is the center of the church, the sacrifice of
the Cross is made present under sacramental signs.
The altar is also the table of the Lord, to which the People of God are
invited. In certain Eastern liturgies, the altar is also the symbol of the tomb
(Christ truly died and is truly risen).
- Catechism of the
Catholic Church, 1182
Christian tradition has
long incorporated the use of the cross and, more specifically, the crucifix, in
our worship. Veneration of the cross occurred as early as the 5th
century. The earliest Christians did not use the cross as a symbol
of the faith so as not to cause scandal to the weak and to also avoid the
ridicule of the cross by non-believers. When I contemplate the cross,
which to Pagans was simply a means of corporal punishment (death penalty), it
is easier to understand how shocking it would have been to use the cross as a
symbol of Christ. In the time of crucifixion, the cross would have evoked
similar feelings in us as we feel when we see a noose or the electric
chair.
With the passage of time
and a lack of experience with crucifixion, the symbol took on it's true
Christian meaning (see catechism quote).
Today, Catholics use the
crucifix in the home for various reasons.
1. The crucifix
over our doors represents the blood of the lamb (Jesus) who saves us. In
the time of Moses, the Hebrews were told to cover their door posts with
the blood of the Passover lamb and the angel of death would pass over their
homes. By doing this they were saved by the blood of the Passover
lamb. We Christians have been saved by the blood of Christ and our
crucifix symbolizes this same "covering in the blood."
2. The crucifix is
the blessing we give each of our guests as they enter our homes. They are
invited into the covenant of our Lord. The blood of Christ was shed for
all and we invite them to call this to mind.
3. The crucifix is
also a symbol of protection so that evil understands that God covers this home
with His protection. We must stay vigilant to the evils that are out in
the world. The crucifix throughout our home reminds us to protect our
home by making sure that everything that enters our home is "of the
Lord."
4. Hanging
crucifixes over the beds of children also helps remind them of the protection
of Jesus while they sleep.
I enjoy having crosses throughout the home. Many friends of mine have an entire wall of crosses in their homes.