“The cross of Christ is

the door to heaven,

the key to paradise,

the downfall of the devil,

the uplifting of mankind,

the consolation of our imprisonment,

the prize for our freedom.
The cross of Christ is…

the safeguard of our faith,

the assurance of our hope,

and the throne of love.

It is also the sign of God’s mercy and the proof of forgiveness.

By his cross Jesus has redeemed us from sin and atoned for our punishment.

The way to peace, joy, and righteousness in the kingdom of God

and the way to victory over sin, despair, and death is through the cross of Jesus Christ.”

Abbot Rupert of Deutz (12th century)