Friday 10 April 2009

The Tree of Life

One of the central acts of the Good Friday Liturgy is the veneration of the cross. A single cross is brought and unveiled before the congregation. The people kneel in worship of the Saviour who gives His life for our salvation. The cross, then - dead wood - becomes the tree of life for us. After the cross is unveiled people then have the opportunity to come forward for veneration; they kiss the feet of the figure of Christ or perform another act of reverance for the Lord.

The venerated cross is then placed upon the altar, where it stands for the rest of the day. The scene is stark - very simple but making a powerful statement. The cross is central to our faith.