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It is a sign and respect and reverence for Jesus who died for us so that we might live forever. The altar is a sign of Jesus and the priest/deacon always kiss it before and after Mass. It is called Veneration of the altar. On Good Friday, the cross is a sign of Jesus, and all venerate.

Catholic Answer

We kiss the cross on Good Friday to venerate (to show our respect, reverence, and love) for all that He has done for us by means of the cross. We are worshipping Our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ, and grateful beyond any understanding for all that He has done for us through His Holy Cross, by Which He redeemed the world.

from Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, S.J. Doubleday & Co., Inc. Garden City, NY 1980

Crucifix. A cross bearing the image of Christ. It must be placed on or over an altar where Mass is offered. Due reverence is always given to it. It is sometimes carried as a procession cross leading a line of clergy. Depicting the dead or suffering Christ, the crucifix did not come into general use until after the Reformation. The earlier ones represented Our Lord as the High Priest crowned, robed, and alive. Some men had women religious wear a crucifix as part of their habit. A crucifix is attached to the Rosary beads, and many liturgical blessings are to be given with it. A blessed crucifix is a sacramental and is commonly displayed in Catholic hospitals, homes, and institutions.

Cross. Primarily the instrument of suffering on which Christ died and redeemed the world. It also stands for whatever pain or endurance that a Christian undergoes, and voluntarily accepts, in order to be joined with Christ and co-operate in the salvation of souls. The Cross is, therefore, a revealed mystery, taught by Christ when He said, "If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). The mystery of the Cross is one of the principal themes of St. Paul’s writings (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 1:17; Galatians 4:16; and Philippians 2:6-11).

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12y ago

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