Grow Christians

Drawing hope from the cross

The cross, once a Roman instrument of torture, has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Christianity—seen on jewelry, tattoos, and even grave markers. For over 2000 years, it has carried the weight of both suffering and hope, a reminder that Christians share in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Yet in modern times, the cross’s violent past is somewhat lost in our sanitized world, and we can easily romanticize it.

Good Friday draws us into the stark reality of the cross as an instrument of suffering and death, a critical reminder for Christians during Holy Week. Holy Cross Day is different; it celebrates the cross’s transformation into a sign of life and resurrection. We are an Easter people who are forgiven and seeking a kingdom of life.

If you have ever had the privilege of participating in the liturgy for Holy Cross Day, you may have seen a wooden cross surrounded or entwined with fresh basil. The vibrant green and sweet smell of basil calls to mind the bookends of the Bible, Genesis and Revelation.

Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. —Genesis 2:9, NRSV

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. —Revelation 21:1-2, NRSV

Right now, as Americans experience violence in ways that are both physical and mental, and incredibly divisive, I draw hope from the cross. I draw hope from the promise of a fruitful life beyond the horrors of sin and death, and I draw hope from knowing that the love of God extends to all. 

In our home, the cross shows up in simple ways, like my two older children’s cross necklaces and the way my four-year-old draws crosses, then says, “Look, Mom, it’s like church.” Both remind me how this ancient symbol still speaks across generations and invites us to consider what it means to carry it publicly and faithfully.

basil cross image created by the author

The Feast of the Holy Cross falls in the middle of the Season of Creation, a short season within Ordinary Time spanning from September 1st to October 4th. Creating a basil cross is a stunning way to honor the way that life moves beyond death while also calling our attention to the tree of life that sustains and nourishes us with delicious foods.

Here are some ideas for celebrating the Feast of the Holy Cross at home:

  • Buy a pot of basil and place it as a centerpiece on your table.
  • Create dishes with basil, such as pesto pasta, caprese salad or even an olive oil and basil cake. 
  • Bring out all the jewelry with crosses and talk together about why you wear it. 

May the cross, like the tree of life, continue to bear hope and healing for all nations


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