Monday, April 9, 2012

Veneration of the Cross

The Good Friday liturgy begins with a liturgy of the Word which concludes with the Solemn Intercessions. The veneration of the cross follows and the liturgy concludes with a communion service. This order has always struck be as unusual.

At a wedding, the general intercessions follow the marriage rite. Likewise, at the Easter Vigil, the general intercessions follow the initiation rites and the renewal of baptism. The sacramental action is a response to the Word that has been proclaimed. It seems to me that the veneration of the cross should be seen as a response to the proclamation of the Word, especially the Passion according to John, and be followed by the Solemn Intercessions. Such a placement would better unify the liturgy.

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