Each week in Lent we decorate the cross with symbols of Christ's life:
1st Sunday of Lent – a bag containing 10 pieces of silver - remembering the betrayal by Judas (Mark 14:10-11);
2nd Sunday of Lent – a basin and towel - remembering Jesus washing the disciples feet (John 13:10-17):
3rd Sunday of Lent – a cup - remembering Jesus's humanity (Matthew 10:40-42);
4th Sunday of Lent – a whip - remembering that Jesus was flogged (Mark 14:63-65);
5th Sunday of Lent – a crown of thorns and a purple drape - remembering Jesus's humiliation as soldiers mocked him as king of the Jews (Mark 15:16-20).
On Palm Sunday when we remember Jesus's journey into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey with the crowds waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna" (John 12:12-15).
This takes us into Holy Week. On Maundy Thursday we remember the Last Supper (Mark 14:12-26) when Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples. Good Friday is a day for reflection on Christ's suffering and death on the cross (Mark 15:21-39).
On Easter morning we celebrate Jesus's resurrection (Mark 16:1-16) and decorate the cross with flowers as a symbol of celebration of new life.
Just as those first disciples set about sharing the Good News of Jesus's resurrection, we put our beautiful Easter cross outside for all to see.
