Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  Amen.

PATER NOSTER, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.

The Resurrection, Francesco Buoneri (“Cecco del Caravaggio”), ARSH 1619-1620, Art Institute of Chicago.

This is my favorite image of the Resurrection.  I have seen it in person as it is now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago.  If you get the chance to see it, do.  The overshadowing strength and virility of Our Risen Lord is indeed breathtaking as you stand before this enormous canvas.  Remember the “overshadowing shoulders” discussion?  That was in the context of the Crucifixion.  Now here are OVERSHADOWING SHOULDERS in the context of the Resurrection – full circle.

But what is equally striking about this image as you stand before it is the angel.  He is pointing upwards, but looking straight out at the viewer, and let me tell you, when you are standing in front of it, it feels like that angel is looking at your very soul.  His gaze makes you blush.

And now what has, over the past year, become one of my very favorite pieces of music, good ol’ Cherubic Hymn No. 7.  The words are sublime (even if the translation is a bit of a fudge), paired with sublime vocal harmony.  Happy Easter to one and all.  Christ is truly risen!  Yay!

Come, let us cast off all earthly care
And forget every vain employ
For the King of All comes in triumph
By unseen hosts of angels brought
To us that bid Him welcome
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!