Christ Carrying the Cross by El GrecoĬhrist could be carrying the cross over his shoulders, instead, El Greco decided to rest the cross between his arms and against his heart. With all that is going around him on top of the physical pain and exhaustion he was enduring, his eyes connect with the one person who has loved him the most intimately. He does not look despairing instead he is looking into the loving eyes of his mother. The vibrant colors of the painting compete for the attention of your eyes almost making you miss what is at the center, Christ. He was surrounded by loved ones such as his mother sympathizers who recognized truth and his enemies–those who condemned him to death and those who put him to death.

Christ Falls on the Way to Calvary by Raphael Reversely when we are selves go through agony we can hope to receive if not from another human but from heaven above. When others are going through difficult times we can extend tenderness and compassion. The tenderness in the angel’s expression is something for us to learn from. The angel lovingly embraces Christ and is comfort personified. He turns Christ’s agony and vulnerability into a beautiful, moving moment. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.' ( Luke 22:43-44)īloch paints the moment Christ is being comforted by an angel. “And there appeared to him an angel from heaven strengthening him. The Agony in the Garden by Carl Heinrich Bloch His humility is something we should all attempt to emulate. There is humility in Preti’s Christ, kneeling as he prayers with eyes looking up to heaven asking to do God's will. As Christ prays in the garden he is preparing to offer himself up for all of humanity–to die. “Father, if you are willing, remove this chalice from me nevertheless not my will but yours, be done' ( Luke 22:41-42). Mattia Preti draws our minds to a passage from the Gospel of Luke, evident from the inclusion of a chalice in the top left of the painting. Use them as a starting point for your Holy Week prayer, and walk with Christ to the triumph of the Resurrection. These images were so beautifully created, their mastery of art and depth of expression can move us to greater understanding and insight, intense spiritual reflection, or even tears. If you feel like you haven't spent enough time contemplating the Lenten or Sorrowful mysteries this year (or even if you have), now is the perfect time to spend a few minutes gazing on these paintings of our Lord's Passion.

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