Lenten Crosses V
Around our Abbey we have simple, meaningful crosses, which the sisters see throughout the day. They remind us of Jesus and his love, and call us to love in return.
We’d like to share one with you each week of Lent.
This cross hangs in our Refectory, where the sisters take their meals. In monastic tradition, the architectural features of the Refectory reflect those of the Church, since the daily meal of the community is a reflection of the daily Eucharist.
The center panel of this cross shows Christ, the Bread of Life, while the four smaller panels show the symbols of the four evangelists, who passed down to us the Gospel, the Word of Life.
The reverse of the cross continues the Eucharistic theme, as the four smaller panels show grapes, fish & loaves, wheat, and a pelican feeding its young with its own blood – all of which are ancient Christological symbols. The main panel contains the words Christ, found in the Book of Revelation: “Fear not, I am the First and the Last and the Living One. I died and Behold, I am alive forevermore. “