The Jerusalem Cross is the beautiful symbol of the Holy Land. It can be seen all around Israel and parts of Palestine, marking the places where the Catholic Church, especially the Franciscans, have maintained custody of holy sites for 800 – 1,200 years. The Jerusalem cross is made up of one large cross in the middle, representing Jesus, and four smaller crosses – one in each quadrant – symbolizing the Gospel going out to the the four corners of the world. It is the perfect symbol for us, too, a parish on a mission.
As disciples of Jesus we strive to stay focused on him, keeping him front and center. He leads, guides, loves, forgives, heals, and blesses us; and we love him back with grateful hearts. From this mutual love, this peace and joy that we experience, we are equipped and inspired to share it with others. Just a simple act of kindness, taking time to listen, or telling someone about a time when you felt close to God in your life. That’s what it means to spread the Gospel, to evangelize, to be on a mission.
This weekend as we celebrate Candlemas, let us pray that like the candles we have blessed at Mass, that we can spread the light and love of Christ everywhere we go, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
The photo on the left shows Fr. Young and Deacon Paul on their way in to lunch at the Knights Palace in Jerusalem. The Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher are the ancient defenders of the Holy Land. Today the Order exists primarily to provide for the needs of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land and for the preservation of holy sites. The Jerusalem Cross is worn by Knights of the Holy Sepulcher. Sir Frank Page, our church sexton, is a Knight! The photo on the right is from Frank's investiture in November of 2018.
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