Raising Lazarus
Given by the congregation in thanksgiving for the life of Dee Callahan
This is Jesus’ greatest miracle and possibly caused the religious Jews to start the actions that would lead to his death. After the miracle John says (the Jews) came not only for Jesus sake, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus to death. John 12: 9-10.
The lovely turquoise cross in the sky seems to be an omen. Lazarus is emerging from the tomb after four days. In this icon you always have at least one person with a cloth to their nose because, as his sister Martha said. “Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hast been dead four days” John 11:39
Here we have a strong Jesus calling Lazarus out of the tomb. Mary and Martha, Lazarus sisters, are bowing at Jesus feet, thanking Him. One of the most touching figures is the woman standing by Lazarus holding onto his wrapping. She seems to be a symbol of doubt and faith. Her grief stricken face is touching and she holds a cloth to her face to ward off the smell. However, she shows hope and faith by holding onto his wrappings, possibly obeying Jesus command to unwrap him.
The Pharisees are in a cave of darkness next to the tomb. Dark caves express mystery, but in this case, perhaps disbelief as well.
A word about the mountains. This is the typical manner that is used in icons to express mountains. The rocks that are shown seem to be reaching out of the painting towards the viewer to draw him in. This stylization or convention is another example of the iconographer illustrating a spiritual world not a realistic one.
-Sandy Kezar
The lovely turquoise cross in the sky seems to be an omen. Lazarus is emerging from the tomb after four days. In this icon you always have at least one person with a cloth to their nose because, as his sister Martha said. “Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hast been dead four days” John 11:39
Here we have a strong Jesus calling Lazarus out of the tomb. Mary and Martha, Lazarus sisters, are bowing at Jesus feet, thanking Him. One of the most touching figures is the woman standing by Lazarus holding onto his wrapping. She seems to be a symbol of doubt and faith. Her grief stricken face is touching and she holds a cloth to her face to ward off the smell. However, she shows hope and faith by holding onto his wrappings, possibly obeying Jesus command to unwrap him.
The Pharisees are in a cave of darkness next to the tomb. Dark caves express mystery, but in this case, perhaps disbelief as well.
A word about the mountains. This is the typical manner that is used in icons to express mountains. The rocks that are shown seem to be reaching out of the painting towards the viewer to draw him in. This stylization or convention is another example of the iconographer illustrating a spiritual world not a realistic one.
-Sandy Kezar
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St. Mary's Episcopal Church - Tampa, FL
4311 West San Miguel Street Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 251-1660 [email protected] Summer Worship Schedule 10 a.m. Blended Sunday Worship Schedule 8 a.m. Contemplative 10 a.m. Blended |
