Reading
John 12:31
Jesus said, “Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Devotion
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| Photo by the author |
Earlier this week, 14 September was Holy Cross Day (transferred to 15 September due to it falling on a Sunday this year). Above you will see a picture I took of a painting called, "Study for Crucifixion" painted by Graham V. Sutherland in the 1940's. This striking oil on masonite rendering of the horror of the crucifixion lives in an out of the way alcove, easy to miss, off the main hallway leading to the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The painting for which this was a study lives in the Tate Museum in London. Another version is in St. Aiden's, East Acton, London.
It is a disturbing image, stark, soul-wrenching, portraying the awful agony in bold strokes. Sutherland had painted many images of World War Two showing the bomb damage from the Blitz before he undertook this, his first religious painting. What emotions does it evoke, dear reader? Can you bear to look at it? For me it is a bit of an entrance into the heart of darkness. I see the figure of a pale horse but perhaps that is my imagination.
A few weeks ago, I had a lovely conversation at the local library with a Mennonite scholar. We talked about whether the Cross was necessary, as the Resurrection is the event that makes the Crucifixion, not just another execution carried out by the Romans. I like to think that perhaps it wasn't necessary...that perhaps Jesus could have died of old age, happily surrounded by great grandchildren, as a famous rabbi, maybe...and then God's action in Resurrection would give God's imperator on his life and teaching. However, given the nature of his teaching, I think it likely that the Cross was inevitable which makes God's action all the more amazing. J.R.R. Tolkien came up with the word, "Eucatastrophe" for such an event. Think about your life, dear reader. Where might that word apply to you? Trying praying and meditating on Romans 8:28 this week, especially on the phrase, "All things."
Prayer
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)