Crucified or Risen? Biblical and liturgical reflections on the role and place of the Cross in the Sanctuary

Authors

  • Jacek Stefański Kalisz

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21906/rbl.140

Keywords:

Cross, crucifix, resurrection, sanctuary, altar, tabernacle, Holy Mass, Eucharist, liturgical regulations

Abstract

The present article looks at the place and purpose of the Cross in the Roman Catholic Sanctuary. Liturgical regulations concerning this matter have their basis in Sacred Scripture. A Cross with an image of the crucified Lord on the altar is a reminder, that the essence of the Eucharist is the holy Sacrifice of Christ on Golgotha. The Crucifix is also a reference point which helps us deepen our spiritual participation in the Mass. For this reason, placing the cross in the middle of the altar seems to be a meaningful way to emphasize the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist. Christ present in the tabernacle and the image of the crucified Lord on the Cross together point to the paschal unity of the Passion and Resurrection of Christ, as it is seen in the Mass.

Published

2011-09-30

How to Cite

Stefański, J. (2011). Crucified or Risen? Biblical and liturgical reflections on the role and place of the Cross in the Sanctuary. The Biblical and Liturgical Movement, 64(3), 267–278. https://doi.org/10.21906/rbl.140

Issue

Vol. 64 No. 3 (2011): Biblia i kultura

Section

Reflections, comments

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