The image of the Pieta - the Blessed Mother holding the lifeless body of her Son Jesus - is as famous a scene as the Crucifixion itself. However, I recently stumbled upon a rare depiction which includes St Joseph in this post-crucifixion scene. We all know that St Joseph left this world before the events of Our Lord's passion, hence why he is never depicted at the Crucifixion or Pieta (etc.) No doubt St Joseph was either granted a vision of what was to come or permitted to witness it from the "Bosom of Abraham" after his departure. Regardless, here are my simple observations of this unique and powerful image:
The body of Our Lord Jesus, newly sacrificed
for us, lays in the lap of the Eternal Father, His wounded hand resting on the
Father’s knee, the Father’s fingers delicately fondling those of His only
begotten Son. The Holy Spirit hovers over His bruised head – reminiscent of His
baptism and of the Pentecost to come.
Our Lady, with maternal tenderness, holds the other
punctured hand of her Son - her lips about to gently press upon it. Her right
hand is extended outward, inviting us to take hold of it that she should bring
us up to join in this adoration of Christ.
Also present is St Joseph,
the Virgin-Father of the crucified Son. With paternal affection he embraces and
kisses the pierced feet of Our Lord, at the same time dutifully covering them
with his own humble cloak.
The Mater Dolorosa and her Holy Spouse Joseph
kiss the wounds of their beloved Son, in their moment of purest parental suffering,
over what the sins of men have done to Him. They kiss His wounds in profound
adoration of His body, blood, soul and divinity. They kiss His wounds, on our
behalf, in thanksgiving, for “by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
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