Chrism

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Before the crucifixion of our Lord, the cross represented punishment for criminals. After the Lord died on the Cross for our sins however, the Cross became a representation of powers, faith, love, suffering, and salvation. The cross is a symbol of suffering before victory. As Christians we are called to carry our cross daily, as we all suffer from hardships. But we look to the cross and remind ourselves of God’s love for us, and we endure the hardships for His sake.

It is not the finest wood that feeds the fire of Divine love, but the wood of the Cross.

St. Ignatius of Loyola