14th Cross- The San Damiano Cross

Yesterday , with the 13th cross, we thought about the connection between Christmas and Easter.  One of the main symbols that we see during the Advent and Christmas season is that of light.  We hang lights on our houses, we put lights on the Christmas tree. We countdown Advent by lighting the Advent wreath in our homes and in our churches. We do this because we know that the Light of the World enters at Christmas.   

The Verse Before the Gospel yesterday also brings up the symbol of light. It proclaims:
"I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life."

These words point to a couple of things.  They recall Psalm 119, which contains the well-known phrase,
"Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105)

and the verse also quotes Jesus in the Gospel of John, when He says to the Pharisees,
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

When Jesus is talking about light, and especially when He is talking about actually being the light Himself, He is at the same time referring to light that reveals the glory of God.  Light brings illumination, enlightenment, understanding and it can also sometimes bring wisdom.  But when Jesus says He is the light He is talking about all the items just mentioned plus the overwhelming glory of God shown through, with and in this light.

We should note that in Scripture, there is a fairly uniform reaction displayed by humans when they see the 'glory of God." They all fall down in terror. There is something so overwhelming, infinite and just holy about the glory of God, that anyone who sees it can't bear it.  

One cross in particular shines forth with the glory of God, and that's the San Damiano Cross from Italy.  This is the cross that was hanging in the small, dilapidated chapel from whence St. Francis heard the voice asking him to "Rebuild my Church."  

This cross portrays Jesus as the Christ who reigns from His throne, the cross, in glory.  The 'glory' is symbolized by the gold paint all around the cross. And what, really is the glory of God?  It's not what we, humans, typically think of. St. Irenaeus put it succinctly when he said, "The glory of God is man fully alive!"  God is most glorified when His holiness acts to save humanity, and we respond.  That's what this cross shows. In fact, it tells the story of God's glory on display at Christ's crucifixion.

"The Glory of God is man fully alive!" -St. Irenaeus

Here's an explanation of all the imagery on this cross, from Franciscan Mission Service online:

• The largest figure is Jesus Christ, represented both as wounded and strong, standing upright and resolute. The bright white of the Lord’s body contrasts with the dark red and black around it and, therefore, accentuates the prominence of Jesus. He projects the life of divine nature in a body pierced by nails in the hands and feet, by the crown of thorns on his head, and by the soldier’s lance in his side. This representation contrasts with the regal Christ portrayed on the cross in earlier centuries and the crucified Christ depicted generally throughout the Church since the beginning of the 14th century.
• The next largest figures are the five witnesses of the crucifixion and witnesses of Jesus as Lord. On the left side are the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist, to whom Jesus entrusted his mother. On the right side are Mary Magdalene; Mary, Mother of James; and the centurion who in Matthew’s Gospel account asks Christ to heal his son. Both Mary and Mary Magdalene have their hands placed on their cheeks to reflect extreme grief and anguish. The first four witnesses have halos because they are saints who gave their lives for the Lord.
• The three smaller figures are represented as witnessing the crucifixion. On the lower left is Longinus, the traditional name of the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a lance. In the lower right is Stephaton, the traditional name for the soldier who offered Jesus the sponge soaked in vinegar wine.
• Peering over the left shoulder of the centurion is a small face. A close look reveals the tops of the heads of three others beside him. This represents the centurion’s son who was healed by Jesus and the rest of his family to show that “he and his whole household believed.” (John 4:45-54)
• At both ends of the crossbar are six angels are represented as marveling over the event of the crucifixion. Their hand gestures indicate they are discussing this wondrous event of the death and calling us to marvel with them.
• At the foot of the cross there is a damaged picture of six figures, two of whom have halos. In accordance with the traditions of the day, these six are the patrons of Umbria, the region surrounding Assisi: St. John, St. Michael, St. Rufino, St. John the Baptist, St. Peter, and St. Paul.
• On the top of the cross, one sees Jesus now fully clothed in his regal garments and carrying the cross as a triumphant scepter. He is climbing out of the tomb and into the heavenly courts. Ten angels are crowded around, five of whom have their hands extended in a welcoming gesture to Jesus, who himself has his hand raised in the form of a greeting.
• At the very top of the cross is the Hand of God with two fingers extended. This is to be understood as the blessing of God the Father on the sacrifice of his Son. On the right side of the picture next to the left calf of Jesus, there is a small figure of a fowl. Some art historians have interpreted it to be a rooster, (Jesus’ denial by Peter); other commentators see it as a peacock, a frequent symbol of immortality in Early Christian art. Along the lower right side of the shaft, there is a small animal, possibly a cat. *

*I am personally of the opinion that the small animal near the foot of Christ is a little dog.  Dogs are often mentioned in Scripture due to their special role as companions for humans. They have also helped many saints.

Let us pray: Holy Trinity, help us to recognize Your glory and walk towards it. Give us the strength to participate in it this Lent, especially in the crosses you ask us to carry in imitation of You. And in all things, let us praise you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.