Nineteenth Day of Lent: Reflections on the Cross

The Baptismal Cross

This cross, like many of the other symbols already noted, has pre-Christian origins. In Egypt the eight spokes symbolized the eight emanations of creation. Gnostics borrowed this image seeing representing the eight aeons. In Christianity the number eight came to symbolize the days of creation with the eighth day being the day of resurrection. Baptismal fonts as well as ancient churches are often marked with eight sides to carry forward the reminder of resurrection.

“Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

Prayer:
Each day we are given the gift of life and yet…
…any yet we die. We die to old ways that enslave us; old habits that entangle us; old lies that distract us. Through baptism we enter into death that we may walk in the new life you have waiting for us. Each day may we walk into the new life that You and You alone have to offer. Amen.