Thirty-sixth Day of Lent: Reflections of the Cross

Consecration Cross Variations of this symbol have prehistoric origins and it has been suggested as one of the first symbols of the cross. Pagans used it as veneration of the sun, and therefore it is widely known as the Sun Cross, from which life is dependant. Confusingly, astronomers assign this as the planetary symbol for the earth. In Christian iconography, the sun and cross appear in the Celtic Cross, the Glory Cross, in halos and in communion wafers. “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) Prayer: Arise, we pray, arise in our shadowed hearts, that You may illumine our steps, awaken our imagination, brighten our hopes. Arise O Morning Star that we may enter into the life waiting for us – today, tomorrow and all our days....

Thirty-fifth Day of Lent: Reflections of the Cross

The Serbian Cross The Serbian Cross is a national symbol of Serbia, part of the Coat of Arms of Serbia, and the flag of Serbia. It is composed of a cross symbol with four stylized letters beta (Β) on each of its corners. The actual origin of the beta (Β) symbols goes back to the Byzantine Empire, most often attributed to the motto of the Palaiologoi Dynasty: King of Kings, Ruling Over Kings (Greek: βασιλεύς βασιλέων, βασιλεύων βασιλευόντων). “…for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14) Prayer: You are Lord, and we need no other. You are King, and there is no other. You have called and now we have answered. Lord and King, find us faithful as we serve You on earth, just as we pray that it be so in heaven....

Thirty-Fourth Day of Lent: Reflections of the Cross

Trinity Cross This is a simple Latin Cross combined with an equilateral triangle, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. It has been attributed that the meaning of this cross is that salvation is the work of Jesus Christ, prompted by the love of the Father, and received by men and women through the work of the Holy Spirit. While Trinitarian symbols are often used with the cross in its many images, the term Trinity is not mentioned in the Bible. It is a theological affirmation embraced as orthodox by the fourth century. “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.” (John 10:28-30) Prayer: Remind us that we belong to You. Nothing can separate us. Nothing can stand between us. There is no power greater than your love and there is no fear that can conquer Your peace. Remind us Lord as we live in this divided world what God has given, no one and no thing can take away....

Thirty-third Day of Lent

The Mar Thoma Sliva Cross The Mar Thoma Sliva Cross, also known as the St. Thomas Cross, is the symbol of the Nasrani people, an ancient Christian community in India. It is believed Christianity was introduced there in the first century by Thomas the Apostle. There are six branches of the cross representing the appearance of God in the burning bush, while the central branch holds the cross, and the dove at the tip of the cross represents the Holy Spirit. “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:5-6) Prayer: Show us the Way Lord, we want to see. Show us the Way Lord, we want to know. Show us the Way Lord, and be merciful in guiding us back when we find ourselves lost. Show us and walk with us all the Way....

Thirty-second Day of Lent

Moline Cross The term Moline (Millrine or Millrind) comes from the Latin molere ‘to grind’ and molinum ‘mill’. This is because the shape of this cross is similar to the iron bar that supports or secures a millstone. Occasionally the cross is called a Millstone Cross or Miller’s Cross. The Moline Cross is largely found in heraldry or ornamentation. Still, the four double-tipped arms create eight points which remind us of the eight beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. Because of the curved tips, some have compared it to the Anchor Cross and the Fisherman’s Cross. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) Prayer: You Lord, You are the Compassionate One; You are the Shepherd Who Guides; You are the Friend who knows. You Lord, You are the One who bears our shame; who binds our wounds; who takes away our sin. You Lord, You are the One known as gentle and merciful. You Lord, You are Blessed, and have called us to be so too....