Marmema's point is of course that the empty cross is a reminder of the fact that Christ is risen.
In the Russian tradition, all of the faithful come up to kiss a hand-cross held by the priest, thus receiving a blessing. Ordinarily, this is a crucifix (the corpus is either etched, painted, or bas relief), and the proper thing to kiss on the cross is the feet of Christ.
Starting with Pascha, and throughout the season of Pascha, there is a tradition that the priest turns the cross backwards, so the corpus is not displayed, and we kiss the empty cross. This is an explicit reference to the resurrection.
We have both empty crosses and crucifixes in our churches -- each has a meaning. Marmema is right, though, that most of the time the cross that we wear on our bodies everyday is an empty one.
We have both empty crosses and crucifixes in our churches -- each has a meaning. Marmema is right, though, that most of the time the cross that we wear on our bodies everyday is an empty one.
"When you see a poor wooden Cross, alone, uncared-for, and of no value... and without its Crucified, don't forget that that Cross is your Cross: the Cross of each day, the hidden Cross, without splendour or consolation..., the Cross which is awaiting the Crucified it lacks: and that Crucified must be you." (St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 178)
"You ask me: why that wooden Cross? — And I copy from a letter: 'As I look up from the microscope, my sight comes to rest on the cross — black and empty. That Cross without its Crucified is a symbol. It has a meaning which others cannot see. And though I am tired out and on the point of abandoning the job, I once again bring my eyes to the lens and continue: for the lonely Cross is calling for a pair of shoulders to bear it.'" (St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 277)