I have left this photograph of Giotto's Ascension (1305) large because it is so beautiful and deserves an up-close look. The Ascension is one of 39 fresco images Giotto painted for the Scrovegni Chapel near Padua, Italy. Fresco is painting on damp plaster.
The images, scenes from the Life of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, are arranged in three bands around the side walls of the rather small space. To experience them (visitors get a precious 15 minutes in the chapel before the air has to be exchanged) is to feel wrapped in brilliant color. Giotto gives us alive scenes, new colors and faces expressive of deep emotion. In starting something new, he is sometimes called, Father of the Renaissance.
Our Father...
Giotto has filled his upper space with a crowd of saints and angels. Kneeling below, the apostles are gathered with Mary. Earth-angels, like teachers at the head of the class, raise fingers to make a point: We're all in this together and headed for tragedy when we forget it and treat each other badly.
Hail Mary...
We're familiar with the scriptural text in the Acts of the Apostles, of Jesus' ascending into Heaven. But Giotto shows Jesus in a unique profile, as if he is climbing. We think of Moses climbing Mount Sinai. Now Jesus is the new Moses who sums up the Sinai Law: Love God and love other people.
Hail Mary...
The Mother of God is up front with five or six apostles on either side. Judas (who hanged himself) has not yet been replaced. They look heavenward. Some shield their eyes with raised hands. Each face is distinct. God sees and treasures each of us as individuated and unique persons. We are not mass-produced.
Hail Mary...
In the ancient world many gods carried weapons, albeit some to combat evil. But Jesus carries nothing in his hands. Here, his empty hands are open, imploring, receptive. Hands matter, but as extensions of the heart.
Hail Mary...
Jesus' hands break beyond the border of the scene. Did Giotto miscalculate the space, or is there more? Key word: beyond. "Look beyond the bread you eat, see your Savior and your Lord..." the late 1960's hymn instructed us. Can I look beyond the outer appearances of people - to understand others in their struggles, hopes and sorrows? My brother; my sister.
Giotto is called The Father of the Renaissance. Renaissance means: new birth. Have I ever experienced a personal renaissance? A new way of praying, a new way of being with God, a new politic (Gospel-infused), a new way of imagination, a new creativity, a new way of taking care of myself, a new way of...
In many places the Church is dressed in the rags of humiliation and shame. Pray the Church to be dressed anew in the bright colors of grace: a fresh Christ-center, clothed in justice, accountability, hospitable welcome, humility, simplicity.
A terrible toxicity of hate, name calling, division and otherism was unleashed some years ago in our country. Everyday reveals some new embittered insult. Even threats of violence and menace are manifesting. May the unity of Giotto's Ascension calm the savage breast.
It is said that in the chapel atop the mountain of Christ's Ascension, we can see the footprints of Jesus in the stone. For real? It doesn't matter, only that in our considering them we ponder the God who has walked with us, so to change us from indifference to awareness and willingness. St. Ignatius saw these "footprints" and was changed from randy soldier to founder of the Society of Jesus.
Usually the angels of the Ascension are up in the sky with Jesus - even holding him, seated in a body halo. But Giotto has them hovering just above the ground with the Apostles. Heaven and earth are not separate geographic places, like rooms in a great house. Earth is full of heaven already. These angels seem to say, "Snap out of it; there's work to be done."
Hail Mary...
Hail Mary...
In many places the Church is dressed in the rags of humiliation and shame. Pray the Church to be dressed anew in the bright colors of grace: a fresh Christ-center, clothed in justice, accountability, hospitable welcome, humility, simplicity.
Hail Mary...
A terrible toxicity of hate, name calling, division and otherism was unleashed some years ago in our country. Everyday reveals some new embittered insult. Even threats of violence and menace are manifesting. May the unity of Giotto's Ascension calm the savage breast.
Hail Mary...
It is said that in the chapel atop the mountain of Christ's Ascension, we can see the footprints of Jesus in the stone. For real? It doesn't matter, only that in our considering them we ponder the God who has walked with us, so to change us from indifference to awareness and willingness. St. Ignatius saw these "footprints" and was changed from randy soldier to founder of the Society of Jesus.
Hail Mary...
Usually the angels of the Ascension are up in the sky with Jesus - even holding him, seated in a body halo. But Giotto has them hovering just above the ground with the Apostles. Heaven and earth are not separate geographic places, like rooms in a great house. Earth is full of heaven already. These angels seem to say, "Snap out of it; there's work to be done."
Hail Mary...
Glory be to the Father...
