Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, NY
Br. David Bryan Hoopes
The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14, 2024
In Christian circles the cross is the most prominent symbol of the Faith. It is seen on church buildings, walls, altars, vestments, paintings, jewelry, and even on tattooed bodies. Many Christians male the sign off the cross in blessings, baptisms, and even in times res of joy, fear, or sorrow. Religious habits of monks, nuns, and religious often include a cross.
History of the Cross
Scholars indicate that crucifixion as a means of Torture and death was invented by Phoenicians or Persians. It was adopted by the Roman Imperial Government as an extreme means of enforcing Roman authority and law. Such was not a Jewish custom. The Jewish way was stoning or hanging.
Jesus was crucified by Roman authority in collaboration with the Jewish religious leaders of Jerusalem. The charge was blasphemy (Jewish) and sabotage (Roman). Pilate, the Roman governor did not believe that Jesus was a saboteur and was not interested in the religious authorities’ charge of Jesus being a blasphemer (because Jesus’ claim to be Son of God, Messiah). Hower, Pilate was insecure in his position of governor to a hostile, occupied populace and did not want to incur the anger of the populace represented by the Jewish religious establishment. Pilate thus gave into their petition. Jesus was crucified and died. The Pax Romana was maintained for a time; The religious establishment were rid of one who had greatly disturbed their power. Life would continue as before. Yet, such did not happen. There was Jesus’ resurrection from death. The Christian movement would continue to grow. The Roman Empire would eventually collapse. The Temple and its cult would be destroyed. The holy city would be levelled.
The Christion movement would become a dominant power in much of the world and a cross the most familiar symbol of the movement. However, such was not so in the first three centuries Of the Christian movement. The usual symbol then was a fish (Icthus, its Greek name). Its letters would stand fer Jesus Christ, Son of God. I expect that Christians in those days would regard a cross as a symbol of Roman oppression and cruelty.
When Constantine became the first Christian emperor (306-337) the cross became the dominant Christian symbol. It was emblazed on flags, shields, and buildings. Constantine chose his mother Helena to oversee the Construction of a great Church on Calvary Hill. During the excavation, a large beam used for a cross was discovered and deemed to be part of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Thus, the cross become part of a cultic teaching of the Christian faith.
Sadly, too often, the cross which should symbolize God’s grace which triumphs over human sin and wrong, is used as a symbol of oppression e.g. Nazi symbolism centered on a swastika, a form of a Greek cross. The Ku Kluk Clan still burn crosses to terrify Black people and others whom they despise. The cross was the dominant symbol of the Crusaders whose zeal is still felt today in Christian - Muslim interaction.
For Christians who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, the cross must never be used as a symbol of terror, hate, or exclusion. Jesus reminds us: "and I when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all people to myself.” Jesus the Christ invites all to a life of love, compassion and justice.
Some time ago I was asked to co-officiate at a Christian - Jewish wedding. The bride was an Episcopalian, my parishioner, and the groom was Jewish. It was agreed that the wedding would be in the bride’s church. The rabbi and I had a very cordial relationship. The wedding counseling was done jointly. The day of the wedding rehearsal came. It was in the church. Much to my surprise, the rabbi asked if the large cross on the wall behind the altar could be removed or covered. I asked him why the request. He, somewhat embarrassed, replied that, some of the groom's elderly relatives would be attending and for some of them the cross represented pogroms, concentration camps, repressions, exclusions. Sadly, I understood. However, the cross remained in place. The wedding took place without incident. The reception that followed was joyous, and the couple after 24 years are still happily married.
At Holy Crosstide, I remember that incident and resolve that my witness to the Christisn faith must always be that of compassion and welcome. The Order of the Holy Cross endeavors to be welcoming, compassionate, and encouraging. As Benedictive, we are enjoined "to welcome all as Christ."
At the beginning of daily Chapter, this prayer is said 'O Lord, you called us to take up our cross and follow you: Guide. and sanctify us that by our prayer and service we may enrich your church, and by our life and worship may glorify your Name. "
An object, the cross, which was designed to be an instrument of torture, became an instrument of Christ’s gift of himself showing the immensity of God’s generous love which transforms humans's wrong into divine grace, Such is its "exaltation."
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