ARMA CHRISTI

The exhibit is located at the entrance of the church.

This small exhibit is called Arma Christi (Latin: The Weapons of Christ).

“But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
1 Peter 4:13-14

The term refers to the tools by which Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. They are the instruments of His Passion, the weapons with which He destroyed the power of Satan, evil and death.

“Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.”
Phil 2:5-8

The Cross is where Jesus, by his own example, teaches us how we should be, how we should love.

“If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God.”
Rom 6:8-10

From his Cross, Jesus invites us to take up our daily crosses and walk after Him.

“In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, declared by God high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.”
Heb 5:7-10

“When the cross is embraced it becomes a sign of love and of total self-giving. To carry it behind Christ means to be united with him in offering the greatest proof of love.”

(Saint John Paul II)

“The Lord God opened my ear; I did not refuse, did not turn away. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who tore out my beard; my face I did not hide from insults and spitting. The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.”
Is 50:5-7

Jesus said: “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16:24)

“See, my servant shall prosper, he shall be raised high and greatly exalted. Even as many were amazed at him— so marred were his features, beyond that of mortals his appearance, beyond that of human beings, so shall he startle many nations, kings shall stand speechless; for those who have not been told shall see, those who have not heard shall ponder it.”
Is 52:13-15

These words are an invitation to share the life and choices of Jesus, and stake our lives for love of God and for our neighbour together with him.

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.”
Heb 4:14-15

The Passion and Cross of Jesus are the greatest school where we can learn to grow in the knowledge and devotion to Jesus Christ.