Everyone, who desires to comprehend this, can see it now. According to the will of God, did not Noah, and his sons and their wives, and all the species of animal, escape the universal flood by means of a paltry piece of wood (Wis. 10:4)? And what did Joseph’s staff portend, the top of which the Patriarch Jacob worshipped (Heb. 11:21; Gen. 47:31) if not this same life-creating Tree which is now set forth for veneration? And was not the rod of Moses an image of the Cross, which turned the water into blood and wiped up the delusionary serpents? With one blow he divided the sea, and again he united the waters of the sea, and in this manner, at one and the same time, he drowned the enemies and saved the Chosen People. In exactly the same way, the rod of Aaron was an image of the Cross, which on the morrow flowered and thus manifested the lawfulness of the priesthood (Numbers 17:8).
But we should spread ourselves too far, if we desired to mention all the foreshadowings of the Cross. Abraham showed it aforetime when he laid his son on the firewood (Gen. 22:9-13). Again Jacob showed it aforetime, when he placed his hands one upon the other, granting a blessing to Joseph (Gen.48:14). Over and above this, Moses himself appeared as an image of the Cross, when by stretching out his arms he put Amalek to flight (Ex. 17:11). In the same way we should regard Eliseus, throwing a stick of wood into the water, and the iron did swim from the depths (4 Kgs 6:5-16). But it is not only in the Old Testament, but also in the law of Grace, that images of the Cross frequently reveal its wondrous power in sustaining victory over enemies, in casting out demons, in curing maladies and in countless other circumstances.
Do you see, Beloved, what power is contained in the very sign of the Cross? But if there is such power in an image; then what power there must be in the very prototype, that is the one on which Jesus was crucified! (For, evidently, how much more outstanding are the prototypes, how much more grand, than all those things which merely depict those prototypes).
Let us now draw near to the Cross with joyous doxology. The Cross is riches, more valuable than any other riches. The Cross is the most secure haven for Christians. The Cross is the lightest burden, laid upon the shoulders of Christ’s disciples. The Cross is the sweetest comfort for the soul of those who sorrow. The Cross is the reconciler and the mediator between heaven and earth. By the Cross death is put to death, and life has been restored to Adam. By the Cross we are clothed in Christ, and put off the old man. By the Cross we drive away our enemies, and calm disturbances. He who bears his cross upon his shoulders is made an imitator of Jesus Christ, and receives glory with Christ. He who signs the Cross upon himself dispels fear and bring peace back. He who is guarded by the Cross will not become the prey of enemies, but will remain unharmed...
O Cross of Christ - most beautiful praise of Christians, honoured preaching of the Apostles, royal crown of the Martyrs, precious adornment of the Prophets, most brilliant illumination of the whole world! O Cross of Christ (I approach thee as a living being), protect those, who glorify thee with hearts aflame! Direct thy slaves in peace and in steadfast faith! Vouchsafe all to attain unto the joyous and radiant day of the Resurrection, guarding us in Christ Jesus our Lord, to Whom be glory and dominion with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Translated from the Russian
