Ram

ARIETE. - Although the figure of the ram appears as a decorative ornament on pagan monuments, it constitutes a symbol employed by Christianity from its earliest age. A classic episode of the Old Testament explains this attribution. In the sacrifice of Abraham, Christ is prophetically prefigured in the ram. Reproduced countless times in frescoes, on sarcophagi, lamps, and the gilded bases of glass cups, the ram recalled Christ sacrificed to God, in providential substitution for guilty man. “The ram among the thorns is Christ Jesus crowned with thorns and nailed to the cross,” says s. Agostino (Contr. Maxim.: PL 42, 810), developing the same concept already expressed by Tertulliano (Adv. Iudaeos, 13; PL 2, 673). And for what reason, asks s. Ambrogio, is Christ represented by the ram? Because he is the head of humanity, walks before all, and precedes the whole flock (de Abraham: PL 16, 471). Christ leads us by his doctrine to the haven of salvation and by his grace toward redemption. Giulio Belvederi