It is appropriate this week to contemplate the meaning of the Cross. Crucifixion was a capital punishment most used among the ancient peoples. It was a most cruel, shameful and inhuman one. The Persians, Assyrians and Indians used it a lot.

Crucifixion was introduced in the West by Alexander the Great. It was systematically used by the Carthaginians and especially by the Romans.

The aim of this punishment, so terrible and horrible, was to kill slowly in two to five days. It sometimes happened that some remained in agony for as long as 10 days. This slow punishment made the condemned suffer unbearably.

After the death of Christ, the Cross became the instrument of salvation and sign of the Christian faith which cannot be changed. It is difficult to imagine Christianity without the Cross. It is one of the mysteries of the life of Christ and He cannot be separated from this experience. If Christ had not been crucified, Christianity would have been totally different. St Paul in his letter to the Galatians wrote: But far be it from me to the glory except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world (Gal.6,14). Augustine says: The servant of God must not be ashamed but proud of Christ's Cross (Homily 205).

Apart from the historical aspect, treated above, the Cross can also be seen in its theological dimension. Some reflections can be taken from the New Testament, of which here are four: Redemption, Satisfaction, Sacrifice and Merit.

Satisfaction: In the fulfilment of God's design to redeem humanity from original sin.

Redemption: Freedom from slavery and the gift of eternal life.

Sacrifice: Jesus freely offered himself for the salvation of mankind.

Merit: merit is not simply obtained from divine justice, but the result of the faithful accomplishment of Christ for His celestial Father is a perpetual manifestation of the divine justice.