Crucifixion, Bellini
Master, this day is our day to stand and look.
To be amazed and disturbed.
This is a day to put away glad songs, and to see the terrible cost of our salvation.
This is also a day to believe and to know what is demanded
in the Great Exchange at the heart of the Gospel.
Forgive me for living in the shadow of this bloody execution
as if it were religious art or a cultural symbol or the inspiration for music or preaching.
This is my life, my death, my sin and your love.
This is the beating of the heart of a Christian.
Give me grace to pause and look.
To see, feel, weep and above all, believe and keep on believing.
Through Jesus. Amen.
Amen
+1
darkness so complete
no light no word no shape
pain attached to nothing
but infinite, endless sinking
behold the Lamb of God
Yes. Behold.
Beautiful
AMEN, Pure gift Most Holy of all men, I bow in adoration.
Me, too.
I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.
Yes. Nor mine. Thank you for making me worthy, or at least accepting my unworthiness.
Have a somber but blessed day there Rickeroo and everyone else here. We are in His hands.
..but only say the world and my soul will be healed…
Beautiful! And what a beautiful icon. What a jarring dissonance, The Help of man expires alone taking centre stage over “high culture”, and manicured perfection portrayed in the background. No one noticing.
Nothing changes except for those with “eyes to see”. I cry with doubting Thomas, my Lord & my God!
Yes.
Speaking of jarring dissonance, Burro [Mule] pointed out last Tuesday that today is also the Feast of the Annunciation, a rare occurrence on the Western calendar that no one reading this now will ever see again. Here’s more on the history.
http://www.vox.com/2016/3/25/11305344/good-friday-annunciation-wow
Lord give us eyes to see, we Thomas’ who until we see the wounds in your hands will struggle with doubt. Us Peters who run away from you when you need us most. Us Judas’ who betray you with our sin. Lord have mercy.
Love these words, Joel.
This is the glory of God. Not trumpets, lightning, armies of angels, or any display of power, just pure Love hanging on the cross for a sinner like me.
Amen.