@Kelly Latimore Icons, “Crucifixion”

We have all seen countless versions to represent this central moment in our faith, depicting Jesus’s incredible sacrifice and God’s endless love.  In this image, there is a bleakness and undeniable sadness, represented both by the color of the sky and the expressions on the faces of Mary, Mary Magdalen, and John.   Their eyes are full of such a sadness, and perhaps guilt. Was there something they could have done to prevent this great sacrifice? Did their actions somehow contribute to this awful death for Jesus?

No doubt, we all make mistakes time and time again in our own lives.  With the crucifixion, we are reminded that God provides the path for forgiveness from sin, for freedom from death, and for reconciliation.   No matter what our actions and what sins we may commit, this powerful, reoccurring central image of our faith reminds us that God is always there to offer forgiveness.

“Remember that when your heart feels restless, when your heart feels hurt, when your heart feels like breaking… ‘I am precious to Him. He has called me by name. I am His. He loves me.’ And to prove that love, He died on the cross.”

– St. Teresa of Calcutta