Ram

RAM. - Although the figure of the ram appears as a decorative ornament on secular monuments, it constitutes a symbol of which Christianity made use from the earliest age. A classic episode of the Old Testament gives the reason for the attribution. The sacrifice of Abraham sees Christ prophetically depicted in the ram. Reproduced countless times in frescoes, on sarcophagi, on lamps, on the gilded backgrounds of glass cups, the ram recalled Christ sacrificed to God, as a providential substitute for guilty man. "The ram among thorns is Christ Jesus crowned with thorns and fastened to the cross," says St. Augustine (Contr. Maxim.: PL 42, 810), developing the same concept already expressed by Tertullian (Adv. Iudaeos, 13; PL 2, 673). And for what reason, St. Ambrose asks, is Christ figured by the ram? Because he is the head of humanity, he walks ahead of all, he precedes the whole flock (de Abraham: PL 16, 471). Christ leads us by his doctrine to the harbor of salvation and by his grace toward redemption.

Giulio Belvederi