It is a symbol of shame, suffering and death

The barbarians invented this method to execute offenders in the most bloody and prolonged way possible. Later, the Greeks and after them the Romans, adopted it and used it throughout its vast empire. However, the Romans considered it so atrocious and ruthless that no Roman citizen was ever crucified, except in cases of unforgivable betrayal.

For their part, the Jews also hated that punishment, because everyone who was hanged on a tree was "cursed by God" (Dt 21.22-23). Even so, the enemies of Christ incited the crowd to cry out for Pilate to crucify him to punish him because he said he was the Son of God (Jn 19.7).

It is a symbol of salvation and eternal life

Although for the world as a whole it was absurd to believe that someone who died ignominiously could be the object of the faith that saves from condemnation, Paul declared that "the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are lost; but to those who are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God "(1 Cor. 1.18). Likewise, not only the first believers but since then millions of people have been forgiven of their sins and with joy have accepted the promise of eternal life offered by Christ himself (Jn 3.16).