The Solemn Intercessions are followed by the Veneration of the Cross, a rite which began in Jerusalem itself in the fourth century when a major relic of the True Cross was venerated.  The Cross is brought into the chancel and sanctuary in solemn procession.  It represents the actual instrument by which Christ has saved us.  The procession may stop three times and the following versicle and response may be said or sung:

V. “Behold the wood of the Cross whereon was hung the world’s salvation”.
R. “O come, let us worship”,

and all kneel in silent homage.

Then the clergy and people one by one genuflect and, as an act of humility and thankfulness, kiss the feet of the Crucified Saviour.  When we do this we are not, of course, adoring or worshipping the image on the crucifix.  Rather, we are expressing in a very practical way our adoration of Jesus: “We adore thee, O Christ, and we bless thee, because by thy Holy Cross, thou hast redeemed the world”.

During this Veneration of the Cross the choir may sing the Reproaches with their poignant, insistent refrain, “O my people, what have I done unto thee? Or wherein have I wearied thee?  Answer me”.  We should regard the words as being spoken to us, searching out our lukewarmness, our ingratitude and unfaithfulness, and inspiring us to repent and turn anew to Christ.