"The Day of Resurrection"
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"The Resurrection": Matthias Grünewald, Isenheim Altarpiece, c. 1510 - 1515. Musée D'Unterlinden, Colmar, France.The Isenheim Altarpiece is one of the most famous Medieval pieces of art in Europe. It was originally created for a chapel in a ward for those dying of a deadly skin disease that now would is completely treatable. The piece grabs me because of the incredible coloring, the power of the Christ figure. As mentioned in the above link, the Altarpiece is multi-paneled.
The panel of the Resurrection shows some interesting things: first of all, the color scheme around the Christ aura is very powerful and unusual. In addition, the figures of the soldiers are fascinating. While the Christ figure is dressed in representative first century clothing, it is worth noting that the dress of the soldiers (and, by the way, remember there were soldiers to guard the tomb in Matthew’s gospel) is clearly Medieval and not that of Roman centurions. So what might we make of this? Is it possible that Grunewald is trying to say something in his painting?
Grunewald only painted religious art, but was politically active. There are a number of major events going on at about the time of the creation of this painting. There were a number of uprisings in Germany of which the Protestant Reformation and the Peasants War are most notable. In addition, as cities grew throughout the Middle Ages, disease began to run rampant among the people. Is it possible that the powerful Christ in the Altarpiece is a symbol of overcoming present day pain and suffering, even death itself? I don’t know and have not been able to find any commentary on the dress of the soldiers. But, I am preaching the sermon and I wonder?
The painting does reference the Resurrection of Jesus and in John’s passage we have the Resurrection story. The piece to glean from the text, and you will see this in other post resurrection stories, is that Jesus is not recognized the disciples until he calls them by name.
Such is the case with Mary in our story. While she had faithfully gone to the tomb to care for the body of her “Lord”, she found the tomb empty. Assuming it had been robbed, she went for the disciples. Peter and the Disciple whom Jesus loved, arrived at the tomb. Peter went into the tomb, while the Disciple who Jesus loved looked in and believed that Jesus had risen from the dead and then went in. After that they both went home but Mary stayed.
When she looked in again, this time she sees two angels. One angel was at the head and one at the feet of Jesus. Not knowing quite what to think of it, they call out to her and tell her not be afraid. She turns thinking that the gardener might know something, she asks, and when he calls her by name she recognizes him.
A lot is going on in our world right now. That is unsettling and it makes me wonder what impact calling people by name and reminding them that Resurrection is still a powerul reality for us in our busy 21st century lives? What would it look like for these situations:
- Immigrant in Binghmton, NY
- Father wouldn't be despondent
- Coporate leader would shun greed for the good of all
At last I come to the point of my own life and ask, does this story make any sense to me? And I say yes:
- Christianity still works for me
- Someone is always calling my name
- Makes me want to live a better life
- When I don't and I fail, someone still calls me by name
- We are called to that here at Church of the Master.
The Day of Resurrection Sermon Outline
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