Radiating Christ | Tintoretto’s Last Supper

By Br Bede Mullens, O.P | Tintoretto’s Last Supper hangs in the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, and at its centre stands Christ, bathed in light. On this Feast of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest we have in it a reminder of the heavenly glory in which we share.

Text:

At the centre of this Last Supper scene stands Christ, radiating light.

He is robed like a priest, and stoops humbly to feed his disciples.

Fed by their Master, the disciples too shine with his brightness.

They are learning from him the way of service…

And they are receiving the Sacrament that has been passed from generation to generation of Christians ever since.

Already they are marvelling and wondering, contemplating and discussing the meaning of Jesus’ action.

Elsewhere in the room, some are oblivious to what is happening, and carry on their work in semi-darkness…

While others are caught by wonder, and turn their faces to the light.

We see even more clearly the heavenly reality,

As Angels worship,

And the fire of divine radiance imparts its power.

Yet Christ, higher than all the angels, brightest of all in the picture, is down among his disciples.

Through him, we too have a share in heavenly glory.

Image: 

Wikimedia Commons, Jacopo_Tintoretto_-_The_Last_Supper_-_WGA22649.jpg (1337×850) (wikimedia.org)

Music:

Chopin, Piano Sonata no.2 in B flat minor, Op35 (Funeral March), Andreas Xenopolous

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