The cross
1 ) SYMBOL AND ORIGIN
The punishment of crucifixion, of Persian origin, was adopted by the Carthaginians and the Romans. It was not inflicted on Roman citizens but reserved for slaves and non-Romans who had committed atrocious crimes, such as murder, serious theft, but also treason and rebellion, accusations addressed to Jesus (cf. Lk 23:2-5; Jn 19:12).
2) FOR CHRISTIANS
Christians believe that Jesus agreed to die in this way and then rose again.
Thus, the cross has become the highest expression of love that has the power to transform failure and death. Indeed, there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (Jn 15:13), even when this gift is refused.
Through the resurrection, God promises not to abandon us, but to free us from suffering and, indeed, to give us his eternal joy.
3) THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
To mark oneself with the sign of the cross for the Christian means to live in gratitude to God who has saved him, and it means to want to transform one’s life into a gift for others. Unfortunately, this sign has often been betrayed and transformed into a symbol of identity and oppression.