Crucifix
Another very powerful sacramental that is more typically found in our homes is the crucifix. Not only does a crucifix remind us of the great love that God had for us, but it also is a strong deterrent to spiritual enemies. The crucifix is the bane of Satan’s existence and is the sign of everything that he despises. It is beneficial to have a crucifix in every room in your house (or apartment) so that you can frequently meditate on Jesus’ great sacrifice of love as well as have an image to remind you what you need to focus on during times of temptation.
Here are two prayers of blessing a crucifix in the Roman Ritual which sum up all the reasons we need them in our homes.
HOLY LORD, ALMIGHTY FATHER, EVERLASTING GOD, BE PLEASED TO BLESS + THIS CROSS, THAT IT MAY BE A SAVING HELP TO MANKIND. LET IT BE THE SUPPORT OF FAITH, AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO GOOD WORKS, THE REDEMPTION OF SOULS; AND LET IT BE CONSOLATION, PROTECTION, AND A SHIELD AGAINST THE CRUEL DARTS OF THE ENEMY; THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD.
LORD JESUS CHRIST, BLESS + THIS CROSS BY WHICH YOU SNATCHED THE WORLD FROM SATAN’S GRASP, AND ON WHICH YOU OVERCAME BY YOUR SUFFERING THE TEMPTER TO SIN, WHO REJOICED IN THE FIRST MAN’S FALL IN EATING OF THE FORBIDDEN TREE. HERE IT IS SPRINKLED WITH HOLY WATER. MAY THIS CROSS BE HALLOWED IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, + AND OF THE SON, + AND OF THE HOLY + SPIRIT; AND MAY ALL WHO KNEEL AND PRAY BEFORE THIS CROSS IN HONOR OF OUR LORD FIND HEALTH IN BODY AND SOUL; THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD.
