I sought a representation that would be original and striking. Here the wounds of the crucifixion of Christ are clearly seen. The glorified body of Christ is completely bloodless. He is shaking off the burial bandages and is in a hurry to get out of the tomb – he is running. Outside, there is so much light that the artist is dazzled. I am brought to think of the cave of Plato. The shadows and types are just that, only shadows, but the reality is the World of Ideas, a new world and one that is beyond our materialism and limited understanding. In a way, Plato foreshadowed the Resurrection as did the great Prophets of the Old Testament. The life of the Resurrection is our real life, not the one we are presently living in our pain and ignorance.
Christ’s Resurrection is one of a burst for freedom, out of the bonds of death represented by the enclosed tomb and the bandages. The idea and the fact are so mind-blowing and ineffable.
We live the third day of the Octave, still in the euphoria of singing Alleluia after so many weeks of not singing it. Easter Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are the highest in this “euphoria”, and then we take a little step down for the rest of the Octave, and then enter a different mood with Low Sunday, called Quasimodo after the first word of the Officium Missae.
On this third day, I wish you the greatest joy of these three highest days of the liturgical year, joy without limit and hope to give sense to the continuing atrocities and warfare in the world. May this joy bring us faith and hope, above all spiritual knowledge and love to cap it all!
Happy Easter to you all…
The Blue Flower 
Happy Easter Fr.
How can I find out who painted this picture of the resurrection?
Just one comment – in Sarum, the Quasimodo Mass isn’t used on Low Sunday, the Mass is a ‘proper’ Octave Mass (of the Resurrection), and indeed is repeated for all Sundays until the Ascension (unless impeded by a feast). The proper Mass settings – Quasimodo etc, are only used on ferias during the week.
Yes, of course. The Sundays assume the Mass of Easter Sunday, and the “Sunday” masses (as they are called) are used during the week. Just as you said. I don’t know if this is a good thing or not, but the point of a rite is that a priest follows it with an obedient attitude.
Indeed, I completely agree. I do it because the rubrics say so, but I am also in two minds about whether or not it is a good thing.
“…but the point of a rite is that a priest follows it with an obedient attitude.”
You may be surprised to learn that I disagree. I take the view that you can construct a rite based on the best of contemporary and obsolete rites and uses. Sarum Holy Saturday, for instance. There’s no way I could cope with just four prophecies, so why not follow the Sarum ritual and supplement the Sarum four with the Roman eight.
Nothing is perfect. The problem with tinkering is knowing when to stop. That’s something I learned with pipe organs – take out one stop and replace it with another. There comes a point where one is at odds between working with something old with its own character and something new and customised.
Dear Fr. Chadwick,
Do you happen to know who the original artist is, or the original source of the art work of the risen Christ on top of this Happy Easter post? With many thanks and appreciation! John
No, I’m afraid not. Anyone else?