Fourth Day of Lent: Reflections on the Cross

Chi Rho Cross
This cross is one of the earliest symbols of Christian use. Using the Greek letters “X” or chi and “P” or rho, the Chi Rho Cross is a stylized monogram. It is the abbreviation of XPICTOC or “Christos”, the Greek word for Christ. Its shape also resembles the crook of a shepherd’s staff, which has a number of symbolic possibilities, including Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
The symbol is one of my favorites because it serves as an apt reminder of my own calling as a shepherd to my congregations, bearing the yoke of Christ.

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” (John 10:14)

Prayer:“Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine. Whoever I am, thou knowest, O God, I am thine.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer.