Resurrection

Resurrection by Paula Pulaski, Spirit Writer

On a recent trip to Tuscany Italy, I had the opportunity to see Renaissance

paintings, sculptures, and frescos that were astonishing for their age,

quality, and mastery of artistic skill. They could be easily viewed in basilicas

and duomos throughout the hillside Medieval towns. One doesn’t get to

look at these art wonders that are over 500 years old without feelings of

awe.

Many Italian painters from the Renaissance age painted the subject of the Resurrection of Christ. One of the more famous paintings is by Piero della Francesca that is on display in Sansepolcro. Christ is robed in a rose-colored garment as he lifts one leg onto the wall and climbs from His tomb. It is

early morning in a tranquil landscape with old bare-limbed trees and ground on one side of the painting, and young limber trees with foliage on the other side. The contrast provides some meaning to the death of Christ followed by the rebirth. There are four sleeping soldiers in the foreground who are

not aware of Christ’s presence. Christ has a commanding presence but has

some human qualities with evidence of his wounds from the Crucifixion.

The promise to return to mankind and triumph over death is the meaning

that is conveyed.

During World War II, a British officer who knew about this Renaissance city

with its art treasures refused to bomb this city. The survival of the

population, as well as the painting and many treasures, is a story of hope

and courage.

Another painting I was able to see was ‘The Appearance of Christ to the

Disciples’. Christ’s face and body are looking straight at the viewer with the

ten disciples gathered along the sides. There is a golden radiance with the

cloth, halo and light surrounding Christ. He offers the simple hand gesture

of benediction to his disciples. The emotional state of the disciples is one of

surprise and disbelief at Christ’s presence. This painting provides a

learning experience for people who did not have an education or learned

how to read.

Resurrection was the final act in Christ’s life and provides man with a story

of power to overcome and to rise up into a new expression. In each of our

lives there are times when we have fallen and need to find a new

beginning. Rising up after the trauma of surgery or a serious illness is an

act of courage and faith that I have faced. The power of resurrection opens

the heart and mind to the possibility of life and moving forward. As I

imagine the sun rising up to start a new day, my own resurrection is to be

awake and mindful to life and my own divine self. It is time for renewal and

being mindful to the life that I can create with joy, love, and peace. Rise up

and start a new day.