Three years ago - Great
Britain argued before the European Court of Human Rights that Christians do not
have the right to wear a crucifix openly at work.
It is not a requirement of
faith – therefore employers can ban wearing it and fire those who insist on
doing so.
Thankfully, two years ago-
the Court ruled against Britain – you can wear a cross – but not health care
workers – due to hygiene and safety reasons.
The cross – In the early
Church, Christians DID NOT want to wear one.
Go to catacombs - no crosses – more like Xst the Good Shepherd.
Too close in time to Jesus’
Crucifixion – plus Romans still used crucifixion.
Only in time could they look
at it again. Began to take off when St.
Helen discovered the True Cross in Jerusalem.
Today’s Gospel Recalls the
Exodus story – snakes biting people – Moses was told: mount the snake on a pole
and anyone who looks at it will be healed. Became symbol of medical profession. Caduceus
Strange – that which was the
instrument of death now becomes the instrument of life. Discovered in my own life – afraid of
dark – luminous crucifix.
Particular devotions began
to develop. Sign of the Cross – crucifix in church - Stations. Via Crusis – Via Dolorosa (sorrow)
Began obviously in Jerusalem – Franciscans had idea of bringing it to
churches “We adore you O Christ and
we praise you. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.” St. Francis
Pilate washing hands,
Soldiers mocking, Meeting his mother, Simon steps in to help, Veronica wipes
his face, Mary Magdalene & John stay close by, Joseph of Aramethea gives
own tomb.
1) Look what he did for us - God so
loved the world . . .
2) We all have a share of the cross
Church is a meeting of cross bearers . . . look around you, no one here without splinters in shoulders.
3) Difference we can make .. help
others carry cross a support group
for people with weighty crosses.
So, we live by sign of the
cross – prayer, around our necks, meeting rooms, homes, offices, classrooms,
hospital rooms.
At Gate of Heaven – no
passport, ID, drivers license, no money, no wallet -- just the sign of the cross.
