This week we revisit the Altar to review its symbols and how they connect us over the millennia to Christianity’s earliest beginnings. We are familiar with the symbol we can see on the front panel; a Greek Cross (it has arms of equal length) encircled by a Crown of Thorns emblem. Its simplicity is a stark reminder of Our Lord’s Passion.
The Altar Linen, symbolic of the grave linen in the tomb, enshrouds four smaller Greek Crosses, one incised on each corner of the sacred space that signifies its purpose as The Lord’s Table. These remain concealed until the Altar is stripped after Maundy Thursday when the reserved Consecrated Host resides at the Altar of Repose. The High Altar remains bare until we witness it being redressed at the Vigil Mass of Easter.
The Altar Stone, also found under the Altar linen is the Altar Stone. This is a piece of natural stone inset in a cavity on the table of the Altar. The cavity contains saintly relics which are intended to serve as the essential part of an altar for the celebration of Mass. Why should it be ‘Natural’ stone? Perhaps it links the earthly origins of the saints to us, and how we should all strive for Holiness. The relics of 3 martyrs are sealed within: St Thomas of Canterbury, St. Gregory and St Maximillian Kolbe. Next week Saintly Relics