Embracing the Cross
In our little oratory in the Presbytery there is a huge cross, on which is painted the crucified Jesus. At the foot of this cross is the figure of St Francis of Assisi, kneeling and kissing the feet of Jesus.
Reflecting on this cross reminds me of the exhibition three years ago in the National Gallery, which explored the life, legacy and artistic representations of the saint through over 40 works of art, spanning seven centuries. I was struck by a painting by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo entitled Saint Francis Embracing Christ on the Cross or Allegory of Saint Francis’ Renunciation of the Material World to Follow Jesus. The composition symbolises the crucial moment in Francis of Assisi’s life when he renounced all worldly goods to embrace the religious life, pushing away a globe (symbolising the world) with his right foot. Next to the cross two cherubs hold an open book showing words from St Luke: ‘In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples’.
This coming Friday, Good Friday, at the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord, we listen to the reading of St John’s Passion. We pray solemn intercessions, and then the minister processes through the church unveiling a cross and singing, ‘Behold the wood of the cross, on which hung the Saviour of the world.’ We respond by singing, ‘Come let us adore,’ and we all kneel and adore in silence. As the Cross is placed on the sanctuary, we are invited to move to the cross in procession, and show reverence by a simple genuflection or some other appropriate sign, such as touching or kissing the cross. This can be a very powerful gesture.
Where we are embracing the cross, we are embracing this sign of love, of the infinite love of God for each of us and the source of our salvation. Through the Cross of Christ, the evil one is overcome, death is defeated, life is given to us and hope is restored.
It is 800 years since the death of St Francis. Here is his prayer before the crucifix.
Most High glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, sure hope and perfect charity. Fill me with understanding and knowledge that I may fulfil your command.
As we enter this Holy Week we thank you, Lord, that your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, when betrayed, did not hesitate to yield himself into the hands of his enemies and undergo the suffering of the Cross. Teach us that the Cross is the way to the resurrection. Teach us that Good Friday is the road to an Easter of light.
