Transfiguration – The Transfiguration of Our Lord, as was told in Matthew 17: 1-8, Mark 9: 2-8 and Luke 9: 28-36, tells of the time when Jesus took Peter, James and John up to a high mountain to pray with him. As he was praying, Jesus was transfigured into a glorious form which, reflected a dazzling light. This design depicts these bright and shining rays of light centered around the cross, a sign of Jesus Christ.
Gnarled Olive Tree – This design reminds us that Jesus joins the church in the wilderness for forty days as we begin our Lenten journey. The tree interwoven into the cross also represents the wood of the tree which becomes the cross of Christ. The symbolism is poignantly expressed in the words of this poem: Three crosses now on death’s hill stood, Three trees killed for a killing’s sake, To kill a woodworker with his wood, Stained now with a carpenter’s blood.
Mary Magdalene – Bernard of Clairvaux called Mary Magdalene “ the apostle to the apostles” because she delivered the good news to them from Christ’s empty tomb. She is remembered by the church on July 22 and one of her most well-known symbols is the covered vessel which carried the precious ointment used for anointing. She brought this ointment to Christ’s tomb after the Crucifixion and so she is also known as the “anointer” and the “perfume bearer”. In Christian art this vessel is often depicted as an elaborately designed covered, vase-like jar and the oil or ointment referred to
Loaves and Fishes – In the gospel reading from John 6, Jesus feeds thousands of people with five loaves and two fish. Looking closely at this miracle, we can see how we can always rely on God’s abundance. With our faith in God’s care, we can be certain that He will take care of our needs and use this as an example of how, in our daily lives, He works through us to care for others in need.