The Maltese Cross

One of the most recognizable crosses is the Maltese cross. In today’s Gospel reading, we read the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, taken from Matthew’s chapter 5, seeing Jesus preaching the Beatitudes. I thought it would be interesting to share with you that the Maltese cross relates very well to the Beatitudes. Because the Knights of Malta, when inducted and installed as knights, they take a vow to follow the 8 virtues or duties, taken precisely from the Beatitudes, and reflected in the 8 points of the Maltese cross. The knights promise:

1. To share the truth,

2. To show strong faith,

3. To repent from their sins,

4. To show humility,

5. To show mercy to everyone,

6. To love justice,

7. To be always sincere, and

8. To endure persecution.