The Crucifix of San Damiano

My New Found Beautiful Cross of Our Lord. :-) The San Damiano Cross is the one St. Francis was praying before when he received the commission from the Lord to rebuild the Church.

 

For Eastern Christians the Icon is a representation of the living God, and by coming into its presence it becomes a personal encounter with the sacred, through the grace of the Holy Spirit. The San Damiano Icon is then a personal encounter with the transfigured Christ - God made man. The Crucifix contains the story of the death, resurrection and ascension into glory. It expresses the total and universal Paschal Mystery of Christ. It invites us all to take part in it with a lively and lived faith, just as St Francis did. Christ's saving death is shown in John's Gospel in its serene majesty, and this Crucifix portrays this in picture form. It is not surprising that Saint Francis was attracted to this Icon and that the inspiration for his life came from this Christ who spoke to him "Go repair my Church ... ".

 

I look to the Cross, I gaze upon its figure,

I wait, I listen, I hope.

 

Will you speak, will you move, will I be moved.

 

Will you once again touch the heart of one who seeks.

Of one who questions, of one who seems so lost.

 

Will you embrace the soul, as you did that of Francis.

Will you take it to Yourself.

 

Will you give it peace, give it comfort, give it love

 

This soul waits, listens, prays for such grace.

This soul seeks the Love from the Lover.

 

It wavers. It stumbles. It falls.

 

Your gaze looks down, embraces all.

Takes all, Loves All. Your Grace heals, accepts.

 

Again you respond, Again you Love.

Again you speak to a searching and troubled heart.

I turn. I continue the journey. I continue in Hope.

I too have heard you Speak..

Done