Pope Francis has said the crucifix is a sacred sign that must not be "abused" by being treated as an ornament or clothing accessory.
"Today's Gospel invites us to turn our gaze to the crucifix, which is not an ornamental object or a clothing accessory – sometimes abused! – but it is a religious sign to be contemplated and understood," he said yesterday.
"The image of Jesus crucified reveals the mystery of the death of the Son as the supreme act of love, the source of life and salvation for humanity of all times. In his wounds we have been healed."
Delivering his homily on Sunday after the Angelus, he continued: "How do I look at the crucifix? Like a work of art, to see if it's beautiful or not beautiful? Or do I look inside, within the wounds of Jesus up to his heart? I look at the mystery of God annihilated to death, like a slave, like a criminal?"
It is important not to look at the crucifix, but look inside it.
"There is this beautiful devotion to pray a Our Father for each of the five wounds: when we pray that Our Father, we try to enter through the wounds of Jesus inside, inside, right to his heart. And there we will learn the great wisdom of the mystery of Christ, the great wisdom of the cross."
To explain the meaning of his death and resurrection, Jesus uses the image of the grain of wheat, fallen on the ground, that dies and produces much fruit, Pope Francis said.
"He wants to make it clear that his extreme affair – that is, the cross, death and resurrection – is an act of fruitfulness – his wounds have healed us – a fruitfulness that will bear fruit for many. Thus he compares himself to the grain of wheat that rotting in the earth generates new life. With the Incarnation, Jesus came to earth; but this is not enough: He must also die, to redeem men from the slavery of sin and give them a new life reconciled in love. I said 'to redeem men': but to redeem me, you, all of us, each of us, He paid that price. This is the mystery of Christ. Go to his wounds, go in, contemplate; see Jesus, but from within."
Pic: Pope Francis blesses a crucifix during his Weekly General audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. From January 20, 2016. Photo by Giuseppe Ciccia/Pacific Press/ABACAPRESS.COM/PA
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