Friday of the
Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
(Joel 1:13-15.2:1-2; Luke 11:15-26)
The “Crucifixion” by the Spanish painter Velazquez merits
meditation. It shows an almost nude Christ with arms outstretched. He does not appear to be hanging so much as
presiding over the sacrifice of his own self. His long hair drapes half his
face as if the painter wants to show that Christ’s humanity hides his divinity. But his divinity shines through in the
brilliance of Christ’s skin which contrasts with the totally dark
background. The painting expresses what
the prophet Joel in the first reading warns Judah to prepare for. This is “the day of the Lord.”
Velazquez may have taken his theme from any of the four
gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke have the sky darken as Jesus dies on
Calvary. This accords with the darkness
and gloom that Joel foresees. The first
three evangelists indicate – as John does in a distinct way – that the cross
presents the moment of judgment for the world.
Those who recognize Jesus as the Son of God by the sheer graciousness of
his death are saved. Those who cannot
distinguish Jesus’ goodness from the darkness of the world are doomed.
Of course, recognition here implies willingness to conform
to his ways. Jesus is, after all, our teacher, our elder brother, and our
hope. Not following him would be like
not following the instructions of the pilot of a rescue ship when we are
drowning in the sea.
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