# Cross ## Catechism of the Catholic Church The instrument of execution on which Christ died; a symbol of the unique sacrifice of Christ as sole mediator between God and man. Jesus invited his disciples to take up their cross and follow him, in order to associate with his redeeming sacrifice those who were to be its first beneficiaries. Catholics begin their prayers and actions with the _Sign of the Cross_ "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." A devotional cross with the figure of Jesus suspended on it is called a "crucifix" ([[1.2.2.4.p1o#^ccc-616|616]], [[1.2.2.4.p1o#^ccc-618|618]], [[3.2.1.2.p7l#^ccc-2166|2166]]). ## Divine Intimacy Meditations - To follow Jesus necessary to carry the —: [[126-jesus-persecuted#Meditation 1|126,1]]; [[129-the-daily-cross#Meditation 1|129,1]]; [[193-conformity-with-christ#Meditation 2|193,2]]; - the more we share in the — of Christ, the more we shall be like Him: [[194-the-way-of-the-cross#Meditation 1|194,1]]; - when we flee from sacrifice, we act as enemies of the — of Christ: [[350-designs-of-peace-and-love#Meditation 1|350,1]]; - only the way of the — leads to union with God: [[354-confidence-and-abandonment#Meditation 1|354,1]]; - love of Jesus transformed the —, a horrible instrument of torture, to a most effective means for the glory of God and the salvation of mankind [[127-the-value-of-suffering#Meditation 2|127,2]]; - the — of Jesus is the greatest proof of His love for men: [[132-love-of-the-cross#Meditation 2|132,2]]; - Jesus reigns from the —: [[133-the-triumph-of-jesus#Meditation 1|133,1]]; - the victory of the —: [[139-the-victory-of-the-cross#Meditation 1|139,1]]; - the daily —: [[129-the-daily-cross#Meditation 1|129,1]], [[129-the-daily-cross#Meditation 2|129,2]]; [[194-the-way-of-the-cross#Meditation 2|194,2]]; - to bear the — with love: [[129-the-daily-cross#Meditation 2|129,2]]; - is the great means of our sanctification: [[132-love-of-the-cross#Meditation 1|132,1]]; [[194-the-way-of-the-cross#Meditation 1|194,1]]; - is the instrument and work of love: [[132-love-of-the-cross#Meditation 2|132,2]]. ---