"This is the Wood of the Cross... It's time to start thinking!"

Why does the priest kiss the Altar at the beginning of the Holy Mass?
Is he not offering all of our efforts and participation incorporated with the Body of Christ? Are we not a "priestly people?" What do I offer as a parishioner when I kiss the Cross in veneration? We use a crucifix for our inspiration, but it is the naked Cross that is used for veneration.

 
Why a Cross? Isn't it an instrument of torture and Humiliation? Yes, the Cross was used by the pagans as a way of torturous punishment and humiliation. A person was crucified naked to his or her shame. Jesus accepted this shame on the Cross. We are naked with Him before the Father. Through the Holy Eucharist, our nakedness of goodness is seen by the Father through the perfect sacrifice and consecration of His Son.

If a Jewish person was crucified, he or she was disowned by family and friends for bringing shame upon them. Jesus reversed this. He took our shame upon Himself, exposed it, and transformed us through this Sacrifice on the Altar, the Wood of the Cross. It is now no longer an instrument of torture, but one of love.

So, the Cross for us also becomes an instrument of glory, for Christ's goodness of unselfish love was found there. It is the Altar of nakedness to truth of our sinfulness and salvation that Jesus provides. It is one with every Altar in every church.

We venerate the Cross all through Lent, not just on Good Friday, as the lovely instrument of final forgiveness, peace, and the gateway to Resurrection through the accomplishment of Jesus. When we come to Good Friday, we will have a fuller understanding of the Power of God to transform us to an active part of His glorious plan of Resurrection.