The Twenty-fourth Day in Lent: Reflections on the Cross

The Staurogram Cross

In the early centuries of Christianity monograms were used to refer to Jesus including the Chi-Rho Cross and the Christ the Victor Cross. The Staurogram Cross is one such monogram. Staurogram literally means “cross monogram.” This cross is also called the Tau-Rho Cross because it is shaped like the Greek letters tau symbolizing the cross and rho recalling Jesus as Messiah. It has also come to symbolize the cross saves, and by the fifth and sixth century the symbol could be found all over Western Europe.

“…but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24)

Prayer:
In the beginning God You named us and claimed us in Your image. May we who bear Your name reflect Your holy image in our words, actions and relationships, that all others see Your name and Your claim. It is our hope and now we make it our prayer. Amen.