Nime Jesu: Before the cross

There is strength in meditating before the sacred crucifix and there's one at the tabernacle in my church.

The crucifix is s symbol of faith. It reminds us of the fact that Jesus died so that we might be free. He accepted death on the cross even though he didn't deserve it.

In our modern world, there are many things that could easily distract us from our eternal goal. Our aim is not for this world since all mankind is simply passing by. No one inherits this world since it would last for only a moment. The eternal place is where we should be focused on and conscious of.

So while certain things in this world like family, news, television, entertainment and money can distract us, sacred things like the crucifix can actually convert us to full attention.
There is a reason why we are here and mediating before the cross of Christ can help keep us focused - We are destined for heaven.

There is power in making the sign of the cross. There is power in meditating before the crucifix and I've felt this power many times over.
I recall a time when I was sitting close to the altar meditating before a huge crucifix hanging above the tabernacle. It was as if my eyes were opened and I the man on the cross came alive and started moving his lips. It was as if he was praying to God. I was a bit fascinated and a bit scared at what I saw happening. I guess Jesus allowed me to see that so that I may have more faith in his presence. It can be scary when God reveals certain things to us. After a while, the man became still again. The bottom line was that Jesus is truly present wherever his cross is venerated or meditated upon. It was a spiritual experience.

There is a lot we can gain from admiring God's presence and we can obtain true sorrow for our sin too if we meditate and worship deeply before the cross of Christ.

Before the cross:
- We can obtain perfect contrition for our sin
- We can meet with Jesus and talk with his as a friend
- We can truly touch heaven
- We can obtain sanctity for our souls
- Our prayers can become more effective
- We can grow in holiness
- We can grow stronger against sin
- Our meditation can become more powerful