Here is a rather striking and powerful crucifix in a side chapel of the Cathedral of Salamanca, Spain. I share this image with you this weekend because we are celebrating the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, and on this crucifix we see Christ wearing a crown and looking out upon us all. Christ sees all; He embraces all as He works our redemption. In our second reading this weekend from the Book of Revelation, we read that Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth (1:5). Nothing better highlights and celebrates all of this (in my humble estimation) than an ancient hymn entitled: Vexilla Regis Prodeunt - Abroad the Regal Banners Fly. The hymn was composed by Venantius Fortunatus in 569 and has been called one of the grandest hymns in the treasury of the Latin Church, and “one of the most stirring strains in our hymnology.” I pray that this image of the crucifixion, as well as the hymn, will help us “render Christ’s majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim His praise.”
David J. Conrad
Abroad the Regal Banners fly,
Now shines the Cross's mystery;
Upon it Life did death endure,
And yet by death did life procure.
Who, wounded with a direful spear,
Did, purposely to wash us clear
From stain of sin, pour out a flood
Of precious Water mixed with Blood.
That which the Prophet-King of old
Hath in mysterious verse foretold,
Is now accomplished, whilst we see
God ruling nations from a Tree.
O lovely and reflugent Tree,
Adorned with purpled majesty;
Culled from a worthy stock, to bear
Those Limbs which sanctified were.
Blest Tree, whose happy branches bore
The wealth that did the world restore;
The beam that did that Body weigh
Which raised up hell's expected prey.
Hail, Cross, of hopes the most sublime!
Now in this mournful Passion time,
Improve religious souls in grace,
The sins of criminals efface.
Blest Trinity, salvation's spring,
May every soul Thy praises sing;
To those Thou grantest conquest by
The holy Cross, rewards apply. Amen
David J. Conrad
Abroad the Regal Banners fly,
Now shines the Cross's mystery;
Upon it Life did death endure,
And yet by death did life procure.
Who, wounded with a direful spear,
Did, purposely to wash us clear
From stain of sin, pour out a flood
Of precious Water mixed with Blood.
That which the Prophet-King of old
Hath in mysterious verse foretold,
Is now accomplished, whilst we see
God ruling nations from a Tree.
O lovely and reflugent Tree,
Adorned with purpled majesty;
Culled from a worthy stock, to bear
Those Limbs which sanctified were.
Blest Tree, whose happy branches bore
The wealth that did the world restore;
The beam that did that Body weigh
Which raised up hell's expected prey.
Hail, Cross, of hopes the most sublime!
Now in this mournful Passion time,
Improve religious souls in grace,
The sins of criminals efface.
Blest Trinity, salvation's spring,
May every soul Thy praises sing;
To those Thou grantest conquest by
The holy Cross, rewards apply. Amen
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