Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

...and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on [Jesus'] head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. - Matthew 27:29-30

On this Ash Wednesday, we start our journey to the cross. We spend 40 days preparing for that most horrific events, the death of Jesus; we also wait expectantly for Easter morning and his resurrection. Here in Rome, you can be face-to-face with very physical reminders of Christ's Passion and death.

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (Holy Cross in Jerusalem) is so named because of the soil supposedly taken from the Holy Land by Saint Helen, Augustine's mother, and packed into the floor of the church. It is an ancient church, consecrated in 325, but was restored in the mid-1400s to its current state today. The church is most revered for its amazing collection of relics: two thorns from Jesus' crown of thorns, a nail from the crucifixion, splinters of the true cross, a large piece of wood from the good thief's cross, a bone from St. Thomas' infamous doubting finger, and a portion of the titulus - the 'condemnation' posted above Jesus' head. There is also a reliquary containing small pieces of the pillar at which Christ was whipped, Christ's tomb, and the manger.

Of course, there are all sorts of stories behind each piece. The thorns, for instance, are said to have come from a completely unknown plant. The titulus was long hidden behind a mosaic in the wall of the church, re-discovered only in the 18th century. It even clearly demonstrates being written from right to left, like a native Aramaic speaker; this seems to cast doubt on it being a forgery. The nail, of course, is one of more than three that exist, so the theory is that people throughout history took shavings from the original nails and recast them into many to be venerated.

No matter what one thinks about the reality of relics, their veneration is amazing. The sort of devotion and piety they can inspire are remarkable. Sometimes we need tangible reminders, whether dubious or factual, of the person of Jesus and his amazing work on our behalf. Especially in the difficult time of Lent, we need inspiration. It almost doesn't matter how it comes to us, as long as it guides us constantly back to the crucified Christ. On the journey to the cross, we will take whatever small comfort and encouragement we can get.

God of mercy, guide us on our Lenten journey. As we struggle towards your Son's cross, give us hope in the life to come on Easter morning. Grant us the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we might encounter your Word and believe in Christ's name. Amen.