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Cross Sign 77
The memory of the cross is enshrined in Holy Communion. Paul tells his fellow Christians, "For whenever you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."1 The connections between the bread, wine and Christ's sacrificial death are indelible. No service of The Lord's Supper bears any authenticity without being tied back to the Crucifixion. Centuries before Christ died, the cross was already a well-known symbol throughout the ancient world. The Egyptians called it a "cabob" after a T-shaped instrument they used to measure the rise of the Nile. As early as 1225 B.C., Greek worshippers offered their god Bacchus cakes of flour with the sign of a cross imprinted on them.2 When Rome comes to power, the practice of nailing their worst criminals on a cross has its beginning. It is not until Jesus is crucified that the cross takes on a greater and blessed significance.
The cross marks out a potential treasure, a golden opportunity for a life-changing experience. It is the marker over the door into the Mystical Body. The cross, though familiar, is vital to our understanding of Jesus and is the place where we begin to follow him.
1 1 Corinthians 11.26. 2 New Bible Dictionary.
"Outward Sign of an Inward Act"
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