Easter Sunday morning

Easter Sunday morning Homily


From: Fr. Raymond
Date: Sunday, 4 April, 2010, 17:07

CHIARO SCHURO IN THE GOSPELS There is a technique used by artists in their paintings called “Chiaro/Schuro”, literally “Light and darkness”. By means of this technique the contrast between the dark areas and the light areas in the painting emphasises some point which the artist wishes to make. We find the same technique used in the Gospels: For example, at the moment in the last supper, when Jesus tells the Apostles that one of them is to betray him, the beloved disciple John leans his head on Jesus breast to ask who it is and, at that very moment, Judas goes out into the night to accomplish the betrayal. The darkness of Judas’ betrayal underlines and emphasises the beautiful brightness of John special friendship and intimacy with Jesus. More Chiaro Schuros Here are a few more of the chiaro/schuro canvases painted by the Divine Artist in the life of Jesus: during Holy Week. First there is, of course, the contrast between the brightness of the Palm Sunday acclamations of the crowds: “Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord!” and the darkness of the same crowd crying “Crucify him! Crucify him!”. Just a few days separated these two scenes yet they are surely but one canvas in chiaro/schuro. Then we have the glowing moment of intimacy at the last supper when the beloved disciple leans his head against the Master’s breast to ask the fateful question and at the very same moment the dark and sombre traitor receiving the morsel from Jesus hands. Trust and treachery side by side. Lastly we have a beautiful Chiaro/Schuro scene in Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalen. What could be a deeper darkness than that to be found in the heart and soul of Mary as she stands weeping by the empty tomb. “They have taken away my Lord and I don’t know where they have taken him”. She was not, it seemed, to have even the comfort of tending to his sacred body; that final and consoling comfort of closure which means so much to the bereaved. Then comes the moment of blinding light when Jesus appears and calls her by name. “Mary!” . . .