THE ONE-MINUTE CRUCIFIX NOVENA

“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” —John 3:14

When the Israelites looked at the bronze serpent mounted on a pole, they were healed and saved from death (Nm 21:9). Zechariah prophesied and John quoted in reference to Jesus’ death: “They shall look on Him Whom they have pierced” (Jn 19:37; Zec 12:10). When people looked at Jesus on the cross, many of them believed in Him as Savior, Lord, and God (see Jn 3:15; Mk 15:39).

When we look at a crucifix, a representation of Jesus crucified, our lives can be transformed. St. Francis of Assisi, St. Paul of the Cross, St. John of the Cross, St. Bridget, and many of the greatest people who have ever lived received astounding, world-changing graces when looking at a crucifix.

Do a one-minute crucifix novena. Look at a crucifix for at least one minute a day for nine days. The Lord wants to impress on you that He died on the cross specifically for love of you. Look at a crucifix, and let the Lord pour out on you His crucified, infinite, perfect, unconditional love. Look at a crucifix. See God, Who is Love (1 Jn 4:16).

Prayer: Jesus, I live in Your love (Jn 15:9-10).

Promise: “At Jesus’ name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!” —Phil 2:10-11

Praise: “And I — once I am lifted up from earth — will draw all men to Myself” (Jn 12:32). Lord Jesus, we venerate and exalt Your Holy Cross!