The following is a reflection on the cross in the floor in front of the altar, written by Josiah Ceyanes:
There is a place in God’s Holy house,
(I should say, at least, in my place of worship) between alter and pew.
There in the center aisle,
The carpet continues in the same green
Of the cross pattern on the altar.
Most Sundays and days between,
There sits a font upon the green,
And there at the font is that first sacred beginning and end. At the font is where
(By God’s grace) water slays sin, death and devil. There is that first beginning of new life in Christ, and there is the first end of old Adam and woe.
Thus I bow to beginning and end.
There are some mournful Saturdays, however, where upon that same green carpet is placed a casket and a sleeping saint. There one final time they join the congregation in hymn and prayer as they are sent to rest. There is the second Holy beginning and end. There is the beginning of eternal life, where with unstrained voice (and in good pitch!) that sleeping saint may sing forever hymns of praise. Also at that time is the is the second sacred end, the end of fleshly pain and stain of sin, that final freedom from all that makes one weary.
Thus I bow to beginning and end.
Finally, following the green back the other direction, ascending the altar steps and arriving at that Holy table where the elements are consecrated (that is, where bread becomes Body and wine becomes Blood), there is a Cross borne with the image of Christ crucified. Upon that Holy Cross is not the third (nor first or second) beginning and end. Rather, upon that cross is all there IS to beginning and end. That Man who bled and died and rose once more IS Beginning and End. Alpha and Omega. Prince of Peace, Lord of lords, and King of kings, Host and Meal, Word Eternal, God and Man. He is the first Word by which all that is began, and He is Who brings all that is to its proper end.
Thus I bow to Beginning and End.
