The cross of Christ
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 This is the Christ of the San Damiano cross: lifted up, nailed by his hands and feet, pierced in the side, and above his head the title Pilate wrote, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (John 19:19). Yet he stands upright, his eyes open: the Passion and the glory in a single image.
In 1205, Francis, a cloth merchant’s son from Assisi, went to pray in the ruined chapel of San Damiano. Kneeling before this crucifix, he heard Christ speak to him from the cross: “Francis, go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling completely into ruin.” Francis first understood it as a call to raise the stones of that chapel, and he did, with his own hands. Only later did he understand that Christ was calling him to renew his Church. He left everything to follow him.
Before this same cross Francis prayed: “Most high, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, sure hope and perfect love, understanding and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command.”
May it have a place in your home, to pray and to give thanks: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
- The title
- “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (John 19:19)
- At the cross
- Mary and John, Mary Magdalene, and the centurion
- Origin
- Chapel of San Damiano, Assisi, Umbria, around the year 1100
- Style
- Romanesque with Byzantine influence