My Thoughts on 21/07/2021

I am not a great fan of Tattoos. In this hot weather you become more aware of how many people have tattoos and they are not necessarily discrete. I recall, when in Egypt, many Christians have a small simple cross tattooed on the inside of their wrist. This is testament to their faith, especially when they are a Christian minority. In earlier times, this was a symbol of the hardships they faced. Today, it’s a symbol of resistance.

In the west the cross is often seen as a fashion statement. Today at our Primary School leavers service each young person will be given a Latin American style cross, made in San Salvador as well as a bible. This cross they can put is a special place on their bedroom wall or somewhere in the home. When we place a cross in our home we are expressing in a symbolic way that we are willing to take up our cross and follow Jesus. The Cross is a sign of victory and a sign of life.

Also I gave the a picture of St Oscar Romero with his now well know saying: “Aspire not to have more but to be more.” This is a fitting motto for these youngsters as they move to secondary education.