Eighth Day of Lent: Reflections on the Cross

The Cross Pattee

This cross is easily recognized today and was a decorative cross widely used throughout Continental Europe. The Cross Pattee is not an “ancient” cross, first appearing during the medieval period. The cross comes in various forms, and I could not find much religious explanation behind it. Instead it was used as a show of political and military strength among the various European empires. It now has reached new popularity as a fashion symbol and can be found practically everywhere including clothing, jewelry and tattoos.

Can the cross be too common? Or is this a symbol where the cross has been “co-opted” for our own purposes and uses? I suppose it all depends on how we really see, and take on the cross in our own walk.

“May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14)

Prayer:
Lord the Cross is terrifying and inspiring; the cross is ugly and beautiful; the cross is burdensome yet liberating. As you call on us to pick up the cross, may we also come to understand all its complexities and live faithfully in our earthly pilgrimage. Amen