I realize that not all of us observe Easter in the same manner, and I totally respect your personal choices. For me, Easter, and the week prior offers me the opportunity to reflect on its meaning. As I was leaving work today, I stopped by the chapel to see how everything was decorated for tomorrow's Easter service. Easter flowers lined the front of the auditorium, and on the platform stood this table and display. I looked at it and reflected on its beauty, and the way it was all arranged. I chose to use this as my posting for today. Though in color it looked beautiful, to me, in black and white it came across more powerful, because in reality, there is no beauty in the manner in which my Savior died. To be crucified meant to be humiliated. Death in this manner was cruel, and inhumane to say the least. It was a slow and agonizing death, quite gruesome, and painful in so many ways. Photos of crucifixions almost always show the individuals covered with a loin cloth, but in reality, individuals were probably nude, which made this form of death so much more humiliating in nature, and it made them totally vulnerable to the public. As the body was going through all this agony, there was still the need to urinate and defecate. The individual had no choice but to do so in public view. As they hung there, this not only added to their emotional pain and humiliation, it also drew insects, causing additional phsyical discomfort. Yes, it does all sounds terribly disgusting, but in reality it is one of the most cruel and disgusting forms of punishment known to man. The cross, and the thought of it being used as a way of punishment and execution is a disgusting thought, and in that sense it is anything but beautiful. But to those of us who worship God and remember Christ's death and resurrection, the reason and meaning behind our Easter celebration, the empty cross is a beautiful symbol, one that represents our risen Lord, and the source of our own redemption, Christ's ultimate gift to Mankind. Wishing you all the most blessed Easter.
I’m not particularly religious, but I found your commentary very interesting, educational and thought provoking. I think black and white was a good choice for the picture.
The photo is lovely, and the sentiment is perfect.... I've been thinking a lot about similar things this week.... we've had a lot of black skies, thunderstorms, and violent winds.... I imagine the skies over Jerusalem were similar when Christ died. I'm hoping that tomorrow morning the skies will be a beautiful blue, equally symbolic of the hope and new life that Easter Sunday brings!
Such a thoughtful, sincere and moving meditation and photo. I am amazed at what Christ endured for me and can't fathom what He went through on my behalf. The words, "But for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross of shame" have been repeating over and over in my mind this Lenten season. I think you have captured my feelings in your post. Have a wonder-filled Easter as you celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!
This is the perfect posting for today. Beautiful shot. The black and white was a good choice, and your reflections on the crucifixion really made me think about it. Hope you and your family have a most blessed Easter too, Rick.
He is Risen indeed! Love this picture, there is so much in it, the reflection in the cross, the glow of light on the lillies, the reflection in the table and the words in Bible. a FAV...Happy Easter Rick :)
Avery and I were at Target last week and he asked me what Easter was, I said it depends: If you are Catholic or Christian, you will be celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus. " who is Jesus" he asked.. "Well he is the son of god," I said, "ok , said Avery. "why did he die", Well he was killed, by some people who were scared of him" I said.. 'why? " because they listened to false thing said about him, they were scared of change, they were mean, and weak, and because they thought he was a liar too".. I told him..
'So how did they kill him" he asked,
"Well, they nailed his hands and feet to a cross, that they had made him carry through town , and then raised the cross then stabbed him in the side with a long sword and stuck a crown of thorns on his head, and then let him suffer and bleed to death." I said.
' oh, that must of hurt," he said..
' yes, indeed" said me. " and then they took his body down, wrapped it in cotton and then put his body in a cave and covered the hole. "
"Then three days later when someone went to visit the cave they found it open and his body gone.. and he was walking round , alive. and that is called the resurrection of jesus, and that's why Catholics and Christians celebrate.,. they thank god . Jesus' papa , for allowing him to die and be reborn into heaven so that we can be spirits and live in heaven to when we die.."
He was taking all that in when I looked behind me and saw a woman standing there . looking very angry with me, because I had explained to my son what Easter was..... he son was about the same age , and he was listening too,.,. and he was looking at her like... thats NOT what you told me.....
I was raised Catholic and we never had is sugar coated to us.. thats how we learn of the sacrifice he made.
People need to get over that Easter is not just a time of the year for chocolate eggs..
@nikkers I think that is so neat that Avery was so inquisitive and even asked so many questions. And I guess she had some explaining to do when she went home, LOL. Thank you for sharing that Nikki. Happy Easter to you and your family. Give Avery an extra huge chocolate egg :)
@lisjam1 Lisabell, thank you for your comments. I do not favor using the term "religious" myself. To me it is a personal relationship, far more meaningful to me.
Today in the same sanctuary where we will celebrate Christ's resurrection, we had a memorial service for a long-time member and faithful steward of the church. The sorrow of the service was softened by Jesus' promise that we will meet again. It is a promise made to all of us and a wonderful gift given freely and offered to us all. What a cause for celebration!
@digitalrn . Rick , he drives me crazy with ALL his q's sometimes but I love that he wants to know everything as well, I would rather that , than him not asking anything about anything, which I know of children that have been told to shut up so many times that they stop asking anything...
He has one chocolate bunny for tomorrow. and whatever his Aunt will bring,. Good lord the child hyper enough without more choc..lol
Enjoy Sunday..
Beautiful photo and your commentary was riveting. @nikkers Great explanation for Avery and it's great that he asks questions and you provide solid, truthful answers in a way he can grasp. Alex is nine and will be making First Communion in a few weeks so we've been having these discussions a lot lately.
@nanascraps . I remember my first communion. all the practice and readings and feeling VERY important.. and excited that we were going to be able to partake the sacrament . and on the day.. waiting inline.. getting it and thinking what the hell is this crap he just put in my mouth?? lol.... I was a ornery kid... still am I guess.. :)
@nikkers I'm Catholic and as Rick said here too, it's painful and humiliating. You can't sugarcoat it. I am so grateful to Jesus for taking my sins on Himself - I don't deserve it. I believe in divine appointments Nickers and that little kid who heard what you told your son - well, it wasn't an accident and maybe you saved him - or at least planted a seed.
such an amazing caption. i have read a autopsy report that details what Jesus' body would have looked like after he died.... it brings tears to my eyes and wrenches my heart. thank you for paying such a tribute to Him.
Rick your photo for today is very powerful in B & W.
Thank you for reminding us all that Easter is not a time for a holiday & chocolate eggs.
Happy Easter Rick to you and yours.
A dreadful punishment in the true sense of the word. I can hardly imagine the torment anyone went through being executed in such a painful and humiliating way. Whatever anyone's personal views on religion are, the fact that something positive, and life affirming came from such a brutal act has to be testament to mankind's enduring hope. I think your composition is superb, Rick, and works wonderfully in b/w.
This is a very gorgeous photo, it is a favorite. You know I am so away from religious holidays, I even forgot about Easter, I don't know if I should feel bad about it or just be the way I am
Beautiful thoughts and images. I must admit, after a senior Bible class in high school, and learning about the humiliation of the cross and how it was actually done (not just depicted) the cross became a more morbid symbol for me. I think it's beautiful that you can look at it in such a reverent way, as a promise per say. I've always preferred the images of Jesus with children myself...
'So how did they kill him" he asked,
"Well, they nailed his hands and feet to a cross, that they had made him carry through town , and then raised the cross then stabbed him in the side with a long sword and stuck a crown of thorns on his head, and then let him suffer and bleed to death." I said.
' oh, that must of hurt," he said..
' yes, indeed" said me. " and then they took his body down, wrapped it in cotton and then put his body in a cave and covered the hole. "
"Then three days later when someone went to visit the cave they found it open and his body gone.. and he was walking round , alive. and that is called the resurrection of jesus, and that's why Catholics and Christians celebrate.,. they thank god . Jesus' papa , for allowing him to die and be reborn into heaven so that we can be spirits and live in heaven to when we die.."
He was taking all that in when I looked behind me and saw a woman standing there . looking very angry with me, because I had explained to my son what Easter was..... he son was about the same age , and he was listening too,.,. and he was looking at her like... thats NOT what you told me.....
I was raised Catholic and we never had is sugar coated to us.. thats how we learn of the sacrifice he made.
People need to get over that Easter is not just a time of the year for chocolate eggs..
He has one chocolate bunny for tomorrow. and whatever his Aunt will bring,. Good lord the child hyper enough without more choc..lol
Enjoy Sunday..
Excellent photo btw.
~ happy Easter :)
Thank you for reminding us all that Easter is not a time for a holiday & chocolate eggs.
Happy Easter Rick to you and yours.
This photo is perfect in B&W.