Shared Illusions

We had the opportunity to visit Eglise deSaint Sauveur à Figeac.  As is my custom, I spent some time examining the Stations of the Cross.  I appreciate the varying interpretations of a story that spans continents and centuries.  

Usually,  the stations are  variations of standard images conforming to Catholic orthodoxy.  Occasionally, a unique artistic interpretation provokes my interest.   Within limits,  of course.

In this church I found the most inspiring and disturbing set of images that I had previously encountered.   I am not yet able to articulate fully how these images affect me.   I sense a postmodern influence that not only undercuts some of the basic preconceptions of the story of the passion of Christ.  At the same time, I sense a deep critique of the post-modern viewpoint and the impact of that world view on society. 

In this presentation,  the passion continues to this day, and we are each  acting in the ongoing drama.  We have our roles,  sometimes as victims, but more commonly as tormentors.  Who are the others who are condemned with no hope of redemption in this world?  Who is it that we cast aside by our indifference and our hostility?

Bear with me as I present the fourteen Stations with a brief narrative on some of them.

Station 1: Jesus is condemned to death

Jesus stands alone, scourged and beaten,  the crown of thorns on of head.   There is no Pontius Pilate overseeing the event.   There are no centurions standing ready to enforce the order for execution.  Rather, there is a young man dressed in denims and tee shirt with a small gathering of associates.    He appears disinterested,  distracted.  

The condemnation seems less an action than an outcome of passivity.

Station 2: Jesus takes up his Cross

He is assisted,  perhaps enthusiastically,  by young men who appear to enjoy the task, possibly a bit too much.

Station 3: Jesus falls the first time

And he is well punished for it.   The burden of his life (or death) is too much to bear.  Perhaps a sound beating will make it easier.  Is that how we respond to those whom we believe failed in some critical task or obligation?

Station 4: Jesus meets his Mother

A heartbreaking scene.   A mother’s love in the midst of tragedy.  Her son,  broken by life and forced to play an active role in his own murder,  collapsed before her.  She reaches out to soothe him.

Station 5: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross

While Simon takes a share of the burden,  a tormentor can’t help but add to the difficulty,  placing his own weight for good measure.

Station 6: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

Literally wipes his face onto the cloth

Station 7: Jesus falls for the second time

Perhaps he took a photo,  or maybe a selfie, to post on Facebook. Or maybe just texting a friend, making plans for dinner,  hardly conscious of the events unfolding before him.

Station 8: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

Station 9: Jesus falls for the third time

Station 10: Jesus is stripped of his garments

Such a momentous occasion.   Let’s get it documented.  Everybody say “cheese.”

Station 11: Jesus is nailed to the Cross

Station 12: Jesus dies on the Cross

Of incidental or passive interest to some.  

Station 13: Jesus is taken down from the Cross

Typically, the central figure in the 13th Station is Mary.   It is the source of most interpretations of La Pieta, featuring Mary,  grief striken, holding the body of her son, in some cases accompanied and in others solitary in her grief.

In this version, the focus is on the body of Christ, being removed from the cross as a mechanical undertaking,  a task to be performed as it is when recovering any victim .   Emotional attachment is lost in the “doingness” of the event.

Here is an example of a more traditional 13th station from Eglise Sainte Radegonde, St. Felix, France.

HereStation 14: Jesus is laid in the tomb

What do you think of these images?  I am interested to know.  

I will touch on the Stations and their relation to some other icons that I find of particular interest in a future post.