From Cross to Crucifix

By Lisa Livezey

Sitting alongside my daughter’s college textbooks was a paperback book entitled, Letters to a Young Catholic by George Wiegel – an author unfamiliar to me. We were a faith-filled Protestant family and the thought of my daughter becoming Catholic was alarming! Upon my inquiries about the book, my daughter said it had been a gift and assured me she wasn’t interested in Catholicism. Relief flooded me.

Now, fourteen years later, I’m Catholic and my daughter remains a faith-filled Protestant. What happened?? The catalyst was a “church search” amidst a cry for truth. The Catholic church had offered answers at different points in my life, but it took decades for me to connect the dots.

Now I thank the Lord daily for bringing me Home and have penned some devotional moments in thanksgiving to God. Please enjoy this series entitled, “Devos from a New Catholic,” written by Lisa Livezey – an author unknown to most!

From Cross to Crucifix

And he was crucified. — Luke 24:20 (GNT)

My devout evangelical parents witnessed my growing interest in the Catholic church, however once confirmed, I waited to announce that I was a bona fide Catholic. One day while sitting at their kitchen table, I mustered up the courage to broach the subject.

Not surprised, they both nodded, saying, “Yes, we knew you were becoming Catholic.” My mother’s lips tightened in a particular way, revealing her discomfort with the topic. But their dual sweet nature came through in the next words.

First Dad spoke about the Chinese exchange student they housed who attended a local Catholic high school. He had leafed through her textbooks and was impressed with the faith-filled content.

Then Mom spoke. “I went on a silent retreat once,” she said. “It was held at a Catholic retreat center. I remember sitting there in silence, gazing upon the crucifix, and I thought to myself, You know, that really is the right way to depict the cross – with Jesus hanging there, suffering. In this world, we experience so much pain, and the crucifix speaks to that experience.” My mother had undergone some deep trials over the years – personal crosses – some of which she carried at that moment.

Both my parents have now passed on, and I appreciate the bighearted way in which they accepted my news. Like my mother, I silently gaze upon the crucifix with Jesus hanging – bruised and bleeding in body, soul and spirit – and unite myself to Him in His sufferings.

Thank you, Jesus, for the crucifix – a reminder of your sufferings and a comfort in ours.

(photo 1: Lisa Livezey; photo 2: Lisa Livezey, “Altar Art at Daylesford Abbey Chapel”)

© Lisa Livezey 2024