Meditation on the Cross

In my recent archeological excavation of my office, I discovered a rather ornate cross which is pictured below, thanks to the photography of Lorna:  

 

I am not exactly sure how this came into my possession.  It may have been when attending a Diocesan event such as one of the Synods (annual meeting of the Diocese). 

It is rather pretty in a somewhat gaudy way and it is a modern version, being in plastic, of an ancient symbol.  I must admit that I have not paid much attention to it since it came into my possession.  However, it did cause me to think of the process of meditation on the cross.  The cross is a universal symbol which contains a great deal of meaning for many people – even those who are not Christian.  Psychologically it can be symbolic of the intersection of the horizontal and vertical in our lives.  Intersections and crossroads can mean that there are options and decisions have to be made as to which road to travel.  You might reflect on the ‘road not taken’ as Robert Frost did in his poem or the ‘road less travelled’ as Scott Peck did in his book. 

For Christians, the cross represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Roman instrument of torture and execution, and the forgiveness of sins that was made possible by Jesus’ forgiving those who crucified him.  However, this cross is not a crucifix – it is the empty cross from which Jesus was taken down, which leads to many more possible meanings.  I discovered something about this cross, which I may have known about when I received it but had forgotten, it is a kaleidoscope.  You can look into it – there is a viewer at the bottom and you will see a multifaceted vision of reality.  The arms of the cross turn and what you are seeing changes.  I am not able to give you a picture of this, but I found one on the internet which will give you an idea.

This leads to the possibility that meditation on the cross can lead to different perspective on what you see and how you see the world – the world around you and the larger world.  It enables you to get different perspectives as you turn the cross arms.  It enables you to see things which you otherwise are not able to see.  You can also be reminded that a bystander, Simon of Cyrene, was forced to carry the cross to the place of execution as Jesus was physically unable to carry it due to the treatment by the Roman authorities.  As Christian we are called to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. 

I will close with a meditation on the cross by -Br. Luke Ditewig of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist:

Look at the cross, and pray with Jesus. Pray both trouble and trust. Death and evil are conquered. Jesus reigns, reaching, hearing, and holding all. On the cross Jesus bears the weight of the world. Hold yourself in a hug, trusting that Jesus has us all in his hands.

May you be blessed to be aided by others to carry your cross and know that Jesus will be with you on your journey.