Mel's Healing Pilgrimage 2016

Links to the Camino de Santiago pilgrimages are on the navigation links to the right of the web page.


Showing posts with label rodin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rodin. Show all posts

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Stations of the Cross Photoessay - 11 - Jesus is nailed to the cross


This Rodin statue is in front of the Norton Simon Museum here in Pasadena California. It depicts the amazing offer of martyrdom by the burgers (councilmen) of Calais, to save the citizens from invasion and slaughter. (Pasadena, December 1997)

Countless people have been martyred for the benefit of others. The burgers of Calais show their love of others by placing the lives of their fellow citizens first. Jesus's death benefited all, regardless of who we are, what we have, who we know, or where we came from. Christ was crucified for us all. He too stood heroically in the face of death.

Many people, myself included, wear crosses around our necks. I fear that for many, the symbol has been neutered of its power. Christ's crucifixion is a powerful example of heroism and sacrifice. I pray that we remember that always.



Stations of the Cross Photoessay - 2 - Jesus carries his cross


The photo was taken in the garden of the Rodin Museum in Paris on a 2000 trip. This figure is actually an extract and enlargement from the astonishing Gates of Hell piece. He is one of the three spirits looking down, but set apart, it looks like he carries that invisible burden. 

To me, that burden looks like an invisible cross. As I walk the stations, I think about the crosses we all bear. Some are apparent and quite noticeable. Others are obscured, hidden, almost undetectable. Almost. What cannot be seen still distorts and causes us to misshapen over in agony. Jesus carried the cross for us so that we don't have to endure the trials on our own. Jesus carried the cross for us so that our burden would be lighter.