[Mrs. Don-o]

It is admirable that you feel such fresh horror at the death of the Lord, and react so deeply to a portrayal of His suffering. I think many people (and I accuse myself) become to used to it, like --- I suppose --- an experienced ER nurse who doesn't flinch much at gaping wounds and gushing blood.

I remember, though, as a little girl kneeling in front of a big crucifix made of some kind of shiny black wood, maybe it was ebony. I remember it as being huge, certainly bigger than me, maybe bigger than a man standing, though of course for a little girl the memory may be larger than life. But I was kneeling looking at the figure of Christ on that cross, and all the pity in my little heart ran over, to think that He would willingly do that for me.

It bears thinking about, and even "feeling" about. We should not get comfortable with it. The plain shock of it can bring us to repentance, and even compassion, certainly gratitude I hope.

The sorrow has its proper place. Right between joy and glory.

[Truth2012]

I thank you for sharing your experiences and your faith with me. I am not sure how to relate to you how wrong I think it is to worship at a crucifix and grieve like that, without insulting you. It is not my desire to insult you.

I will say that my issue is not with individuals, but with the Catholic Church.

I do not believe that the Catholic Church is preaching about Jesus, but about a man made religion or a hierarchy that they wish to form society around. Further, a religion that does not show you how to have victory over the darkness, and even puts you INTO the darkness at times.

I have no doubt that you love Jesus and want to learn his ways, but I am sad that you would have been indoctrinated as a small child to grieve or quench the Holy Spirit of God.

We are told not to do that in Ephesians 4:30.