what is the meaning of the Jeruselem Cross

-- Phil Dewey (PHILDEWEY@aol.com), September 12, 2002

Answers

Hello, Phil.

Thanks for the question. I found varying bits of information, around the Internet, about the Jerusalem [note spelling] Cross, which is pictured here in black, though I have read that it is normally "blood-red" in color.

"[In t]his ancient Christian symbol ... Christ is represented by the central cross, surrounded by the four evangelists, represented by four smaller crosses. Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God, is proclaimed through the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John."

"The Gospel is ... represented by the central cross, surrounded by the four directions, represented by the four smaller crosses. The Gospel is proclaimed to the four corners of the earth, to the north, south, east, and west."

"The five crosses represent the five wounds of Christ."

"The Jerusalem Cross was first used as a coat of arms for the Latin Kingdom in Jerusalem. During the Crusades, it was referred to as the 'Crusaders Cross.'"

As you can see, Phil, there is not exactly a unanimity of opinion concerning the Cross's symbolism! My opinion is that the first explanation seems most likely to be what the Crusaders had in mind.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), September 14, 2002.