Manna

Manna – This design reflects the Old Testament reading which tells of the miraculous falling of manna from heaven which was sent by God to feed the Israelites during their stay in the wilderness. Manna was a mysterious substance and the name is derived from the ancient Hebrew word manhu which means “what is it”.  It is described in the Bible as white, seed-like oval flakes which fell during the night covering the ground like frost, and had to be collected by sunrise before it melted in the sun. Manna resembled coriander seeds and was the color of bdellium, a fragrant resin. It was pounded and boiled into cakes which tasted like flour and honey or bread tempered with oil. The people were instructed to gather an omer, about six or seven pints, of manna each day and a vessel with this amount was placed near the Ark of the Covenant as a reminder for future generations. The cross is a reminder that in the New Testament manna is a symbol of the Eucharist and this is through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. In John’s gospel, Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven”.