This photo was taken at the Cathedral of St. James in Innsbruck, Austria. I was there last year near the end of Lent. Every one of the churches I visited had some piece of temporary artwork hung in front of the reredos (the panel behind the altar). Many also had pieces of purple cloth covering the cross. This is a widespread practice in Roman Catholic churches, and even among a few Lutheran churches. At the very least, this happens on Good Friday in many of our churches. The instruction in the Roman Catholic church is that this begins on the Fifth Sunday of Lent through Good Friday, but I don’t want to get too far into the weeds about the particulars of this practice!
It may seem counterintuitive to cover up the cross during Lent. After all, aren’t we supposed to be in deeper contemplation of all that Jesus has given for us? It is suggested that covering artwork and the cross is a “fast for the eyes.” Something is missing and our senses are heightened. In the churches in Innsbruck, the “veils” themselves became a way to remind worshipers of our focus. In this particular case, “Repent and Sin No More.”
As we mark the Fifth Sunday of Lent in a few days, I encourage you to find a way to take up this practice in your home. Cover the cross on your wall or the picture you have of Jesus. Change the tablecloth on your table to something more simple. Print off a “Repent and Sin No More” sign for your fridge. God bless us all as we contemplate the mystery of the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus the Christ.
+BJST