One of the most impressive sights to me are the tall

crosses here. I had read about them before the trip,

but to see them is very impressive. They stand a

minimum of fifteen feet high, are carved out of one

solid slab of stone, with intricate patterns and they

have lasted for centuries as a monument to faith.

There are two near the Abbey. One is original,

another a concrete reproduction. and anther has been

removed because of its deterioration. St. Martin's

Cross was placed at its present sight in the 8th

century. St. Martin was a pagan who after he joined

the military, was converted to Christianity by the

camp chaplain. After his military service he became a

monk. He was concerned that the monks were looking

out only for their own interests and not serving the

needs of the people. He made his thoughts known

particularly at Iona, about the "all-in" call to

service to God. His perspective was that one in

ministry is either "all-in" or "all-out". He was a

great promoter of dedication to service and ministry.

I feel an aura when viewing St. Martin's Cross; first,

because Martin is my middle name; second, because the

call to ministry is strong and predominant in my life;

and third, because St. Martin shows that whoever we

are, we can be used by God for a great purpose.

St. John's Cross also stands in front of the Iona

Abbey. It has been replaced with an reproduction,

since the original has collapsed twice previous.

St. Matthew's Cross also stood in front of the Abbey,

it has been removed to preserve whatever remains of of

it.

Other tall crosses on the island here are MacLean's

cross, erected in the 15th century, depicting the

crucifixion at the center and employing celtic

interlacing patterns on the broad faces. There is a

memorial cross at Martyr's Bay honoring those who died

in WW I, and there is a cross in honor of the wife of

George Sutherland, the 8th Arch Duke of Argyll (1879).

There may be others, but I haven't found them yet.

There are other tall crosses in Ireland, and I suppose

others throughout Scotland. They are a witness to the

faithful and by their size call one to submission to

the Lord of Life.

What monuments, milemarkers, hallmarks, events or

activities call you to faith in Christ. It is said

that steeples make us look heavenward to the God of

creation. In like manner, we are drawn to the God of

life and love. May God prosper Mt. Pleasant Church

and you as you serve as a beacon of good news for him.

Dan