Thirty-Ninth Day of Lent: Reflections of the Cross

The Arrow Cross

This is also called a Cross Barby or Barbee in heraldry. In Christian use, the ends of this cross resemble the barbs of fish hooks, or fish spears. This alludes to the Ichthys symbol of Christ, and is suggestive of the “fishers of people” theme in the Gospel. Like many other cross images, the arrows can also be understood as the call to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Disappointingly, in modern use the Arrow Cross is associated with extremist groups in Europe and the United States.

“Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19)

Prayer:
Merciful God, forgive us when we take images of love and sacrifice and twist them for our own selfish gain. Teach us again what it means to pick up the cross and bear it each day out of love for You and our neighbor. Strengthen us that we may not grow weary in doing good to the very ends of the earth. Amen.