In Catholic art, the Sacred Heart is usually depicted as a flaming heart. Every Catholic applies their own significance to this perennial symbol. These are only a few ways to interpret the cross. The cross symbolizes sacrifice, suffering, repentance, solidarity, and exclusion. While the cross has been around long before the advent of Christianity, the Easter story (that is, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ) has made the cross one of the most recognized icons in the world. What Is the Meaning of the Cross?įor Christians, the cross has become a symbol not only of Jesus’ death, but also of his resurrection.

In Roman times, the cross was an instrument of torture and public humiliation, and criminals were put to death on crosses.

It is found wherever there is a Christian presence. The most famous and widespread Christian symbol is the cross. These two letters symbolize the fact that Christ is the beginning and the end of all creation.

In the book of revelation 22:13, Christ refers to himself as the alpha and the omega. The alpha and omega have been used by Catholics since the fourth century as symbols expressing the confidence of orthodox Christians in the scriptural proofs of God. They are used at various times in the Church liturgical year. Alpha and OmegaĪlpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. These are the words which Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea who sentenced Jesus to death, ordered to be written on the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. These letters are short for the Latin phrase, “Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum,” which translates to “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” What Do the Letters “INRI” Stand for on the Cross?Ī crucifix often has the letters “INRI” carved into the wood of the cross. Unlike other Christian denominations, which use only the cross, the crucifix is a powerful symbol of Catholicism, representing the focal point of the Catholic belief: that Jesus died on the cross to redeem humanity.

Tor meaning in catholic church