Looking Up

Our parish church recently installed a new crucifix. Months ago, Monsignor shared about the change and gave the rationale behind it. As with any change, and despite good communication, there were a few mixed emotions from some of the parishioners. I, for one, was looking forward to the change and tried to reinforce the sound, theological rationale in my casual conversations in the lead-up to the eventual installation.

I happened to be traveling two Sundays in a row, and as I entered the church for a weekday school Mass, I took my usual spot, knelt down, said my prayers, and joined in the celebration. As I left Mass, another parent came over and thanked me for the explanation I had given her in a previous conversation about the new crucifix. “It makes such a difference,” she said. Confused, I asked, “Did you see a picture of it or something?” She pointed straight down the center aisle and said, “No, I just looked up.”

I hadn’t noticed it. Even after arriving uncharacteristically early, I never noticed Jesus on the cross.

As I sat in the parking lot, I couldn’t help but wonder how often I was “missing” the crucifix in other aspects of my life, leadership, and discipleship. How am I taking it for granted or becoming too comfortable with the sacrifice made for me? How quickly am I passing it by or failing to look up and give thanks? If the crucifix is what I profess as my model of success, how successful am I at keeping Jesus on the cross in front of me in the decisions and actions I make each day? While not the ultimate sacrifice, how might I not be appreciating others’ sacrifices for me?

I decided I needed to go back into the sanctuary to not only appreciate how beautiful the new crucifix looked, but to also contemplate the incomprehensible generosity of our God that it proclaims. As we continue to enter more deeply into this season of the Resurrection, let’s continue to keep close to our hearts what Christ’s sacrifice required and requires of us.