The Alpha and the Omega

ALPHA AND OMEGA

Jesus Christ: Yesterday and Today.
Alpha and Omega.
Beginning and End.
His are the Times and the Ages.

Robed as Melchizedek, Jesus the High Priest
reigns from the fecund tree cross. This tree
has two roots. The Alpha root leaves a centre point
and expands, spiralling and rising through time.
The Omega root contracts, spiralling down to
end-time, circling more slowly at first, but gaining
momentum. Between Alpha and Omega the crucifixion
is the crest, the point of equilibrium, the still and
critical moment of suspension between time’s rhythm
of expansion and contraction.

In Christ, Lord of the Ages, time expands from
the Alpha point, crests, and rushes on to its goal,
contracting to the ultimate centre, and stops.
The journey from centre to centre is a passage from
the dark union with time to the light union
with God in eternity.

Page 176 Sign of the Tree
Meinrad Craighead
1970s; Stanbrook Abbey; Ink on Paper; 10×12

View full size