5 Unseen Truths About the Crucifixion of Jesus Every Catholic Should Know

Some little-known but fascinating facts about the Crucifixion, like the 'Trinitarian' construction of the Holy Cross and how much it likely weighed.

From ChurchPOP

By George Ryan

"In His humanity, Jesus was losing blood, hungry, and persecuted while carrying the massive weight of this Cross."

Do you know what unseen truths we can find in the Crucifixion?

Below, we evaluate five little-known aspects of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ from this classic episode of "The Catholic Talk Show" with Ryan Scheel, Ryan Dellacrosse, and Father Rich Pagano.

Trinity in the Timber

The guys share a surprising detail - the True Cross was not crafted from one type of wood but was actually made from cedar, pine, and cypress.

Scheel says the triune structure of the Cross is amazingly “Trinitarian Theology baked in Salvific History.”

The Taunting Title

The Latin inscription "INRI" adorning the Cross is short for "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum," meaning Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, a title Pontius Pilate used to assert Roman authority.

"It's a form of mockery ... a taunt to others might challenge Roman authority,” Scheel says.

The Weight of the Cross

Based on Charles De Fleury's work, the guys suggest that the Cross might have weighed 220 pounds.

This painful reality starkly illuminates the extent of Jesus' physical suffering.

"In His humanity, Jesus was losing blood, hungry, and persecuted while carrying the massive weight of this Cross," Father Pagano says.

Christ’s Body on the Cross

Distinct from many Protestant traditions, Canon Law mandates the presence of a Crucifix with the Corpus, the Body of Christ, in every Church.

“That is Calvary--that is the focus of our worship…we preach Christ crucified,” Scheel says.

The Power of the "Prayer Before the Crucifix"

Every time Catholics see a Crucifix, they’re encouraged to say a specially-indulgenced prayer known as the "Prayer Before the Crucifix."

Scheel says "It's an amazing opportunity…to give homage and exalt the Cross and lift the Cross up high."

These unseen truths are a great reminder of how Christ’s sacrifice can inspire us to carry our own crosses with strength.

Check out the episode below:

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Let’s courageously take up our own cross, unafraid to follow in the Savior's footsteps!