Today the group from SSW visited Razzouk tattoo parlor, which has been providing pilgrims with permanent remembrances of their time in the Holy Land for seven centuries. The owner of the shop told us stories of his father gathering soot from church candles to make his ink in the early 20th century, as his son skillfully inked us one at a time with a small Jerusalem cross. When we were finished under the artistic needle the owner’s wife placed cool cream and bandages on our wrists. Our tattoos must be covered overnight to allow the healing process to begin. Tomorrow, on the day of Pentecost, our Jerusalem crosses will be uncovered and revealed as a sign of the Gospel being carried around the world.
Below is the description of the Jerusalem cross given to us before our journey began:
People have attached different meanings to the Jerusalem Cross, a large central cross with equal arms and four crosslets in the four quadrants formed by the arms of the large cross. Some say that the four crosslets are the four Gospels, some say that they represent the spread of the Gospel to the four corners of the earth, some that the five crosses all together represent the wounds of Christ (hands, feet, and the sword through his side). It may be that the cross will come to represent something for you in particular. The Jerusalem Cross is a formal, balanced shape. Perhaps this shape can call to mind the fact that for this period of time you are not concerned with getting anywhere, but in being fully present to whatever is happening at the moment. It is a reminder to be still, balanced, and attentive.
The Jerusalem Cross has been worn by pilgrims over centuries. You are not alone on this pilgrimage, but are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” throughout time and space. Generations of pilgrims have worn this cross on their journeys to the Holy Land, and you are upheld by the power of their prayers joining yours. – Reagan
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