It is essential for Catholics to be aware of what they symbolize. The cross and the crucifix are Christian symbols, but they do not refer to the same concept. In this blog post, we will tell you all you need to know about the two, which one member should put on, and where you can buy processional crucifix and other catholic church accessories.
What is a Crucifix
The word crucifix comes from the Latin phrase “cruci fixus,” which means “fixed to the cross.” It refers to Jesus Christ nailed to the cross on Calvary. A crucifix, therefore, is not just the cross alone but the cross with the representation of Christ affixed to it.
It is an extremely strong symbol of the height of Jesus’ sacrifice for the salvation of humanity – and should not be used superficially and irresponsibly. Wearing a crucifix is carrying with you a physical reminder of God’s boundless love for us, to the point of embracing the most painful Passion for rescuing us.
The crucifix is a Christian symbol directly associated with the Catholic Church since, for the most part, Protestant denominations usually use only the cross instead of the crucifix. Many Catholic crucifixes carry the initials “INRI,” which, in Latin, abbreviates “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum,” that is, “Jesus Nazarene, King of the Jews.”
What is a Cross?
The cross has become a universal symbol of Christianity, although, strictly speaking, the term refers only to the instrument, without including the representation of the body of Christ nailed to it.
As an instrument, the cross is nothing less than a form of torture tragically employed by the Romans to punish and execute the condemned. Jesus Christ died on the cross in atrocious suffering.
For this very reason, many Protestant denominations claim that the crucifix should not be used as a symbol of the Christian faith, since Christ is risen and is no longer nailed to the cross.
Should a Catholic member wear the cross or the crucifix?
Catholics certainly believe in the Resurrection – after all, Scripture itself states that if Christ has not been raised, then our faith is in vain. However, Catholics also recognize that the Resurrection crowns Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which redeemed us from sin and, therefore, must never be forgotten or dissociated from the glory of the Resurrection.
Both the cross and the crucifix are Christian symbols that can be perfectly used by Catholics. What is essential is that Catholics are aware of what they symbolize and, above all, of the unity of the mystery of Redemption: there is no Resurrection without a cross, nor is there any meaning in the cross if it is not in view of the Resurrection.
Where can I buy the cross and the processional crucifix?
This is a question users often ask around and on the Internet while seeking to buy the equipment. Apart from main physical stores that sell catholic accessories, there are several online stores that specialize in the sales of catholic accessories.
Users’ main problem with their purchases is finding a trusted online store to avoid scamming the buyer. But with Fynders Keepers, you will find all the necessary catholic accessories that you need.
