Recently, I was talking with a Methodist friend and they asked why Catholics display the cross with Jesus hanging on it and the other religions just use the cross without Jesus on it. Why is that?

Bob in our diocese

---

This question reminds me of when I came into the Catholic Church from the Baptist community that I grew up in. Growing up, I only remember seeing crosses in church buildings, but when I started to attend Mass, I was struck by the crucifix prominently displayed in the sanctuary. This difference was further reinforced when my friend’s grandfather, who was a member of the Baptist community I grew up in, was talking to me shortly after I had made my Catholic profession of faith and received confirmation and first Communion. He asked me, “Why don’t Catholics take Jesus down off the Cross?” Immediately, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind St. Paul’s words in his first letter to the Corinthians, “… we proclaim Christ crucified … to those who are called … Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:23-25).

The Catholic (universal) Church has used the image of the crucifixion of Jesus from ancient times, proclaiming with St. Paul that God saved all of humanity and redeemed creation through the crucifixion of Jesus. Also, because the crucifix is a visual representation of Jesus’ death for the sins of all humanity, it’s a reminder that we are called to sacrifice ourselves for our faith. Another point, the holy Mass is a re-presentation of Calvary — it makes present the crucifixion. It’s important to note, we are not “re-crucifying” Jesus. Rather, Jesus’ sacrifice is made present to us. “This is my body. This is my blood.” The use of the crucifix calls this to mind.

It wasn’t until the Protestant Reformation that Christians started using an “empty” cross. Both Catholic and Protestant Christians proclaim the same truth that Jesus Christ is the one savior by whom anyone is saved, and He accomplished this salvation through His passion, death, and resurrection. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

However, since we are fallen and quick to judge and divide each other into groups, soon all kinds of Catholic vs. Protestant (and vice versa) differences took hold. Catholics used the crucifix, Protestants the cross. Protestants used the vernacular of the people, Catholics used Latin. There were sins committed by both Catholics and Protestants during the Reformation. The enemy will always try to divide us and will use anything that we let him use to do it. But whether they wear a crucifix or a cross, all Christians are our brothers and sisters in Christ. There are legitimate differences between denominations of Christians that must be reconciled. As Catholics, we must hold fast to the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church Jesus instituted with all its gifts. However, we will only succeed in staying united with our brothers and sisters by doing as Jesus Christ told us: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you” (John 15:12).

Father Hyland Smith is pastor of St. Michael the Archangel is Sigel, St. Mary of the Assumption in Neoga, and Sacred Heart in Lillyville.