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 Towards the Holy Year of 2000 The Crucifixion Scott 11084 (1998) As Holy Week approaches its climax, today we celebrate the most solemn day on the Christian calendar, Good Friday. This marks the anniversary of the passion, crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ. We started Holy Week with Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The tenor of things certainly changed as the week progressed. On Holy Monday, events include Jesus's cursing of the fig tree (which withers and dies) and his cleansing of the temple. He also has His authority questioned by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 21:12-27). On Holy Tuesday, Jesus spent the day avoiding the traps set by the priests and turns to teachings through the presentation of three parables (Matthew 21:23-46, chapters 22-25). Holy Wednesday, or Spy Wednesday, marks the beginning of Christ’s betrayal by Judas Iscariot, as he met with Jewish leaders and is paid his 30 pieces of silver to commit the ultimate act of treason (Matthew 26:14-16). Yesterday, Holy Thursday, features the Washing of the Feet, the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden, and the arrest of Jesus.  "The Crucifixion" Predella of San Zeno Altarpiece Andrea Mantegna (circa 1460) From Wikimedia Commons, in the Public Domain The events of Good Friday are told in all four Gospels. Matthew 28, Mark 15, Luke 23 and John 18-19 include the following: The masterpiece by Andrea Mantegna of the Crucifixion, shown above, contains many of the elements presented in the biblical accounts of the crucifixion. Looking at the depiction, we see Christ crucified between the "two thieves". Below the Cross, we see the soldiers casting lots for the possessions of Christ, as well as the centurion with the lance (likely depicting Saint Longinus, who pierced the side of Jesus with the lance and later converted to Christianity). The mourning Mary, John and others are seen to the left of the scene. Following His human death, Christ is entombed for three days, leading up to His resurrection on Easter Sunday. To remember Good Friday, Christians participate in services which include the Stations of the Cross. This is a series of fourteen events marking the time from Christ's condemnation by Pontius Pilate, through His Passion March along the traditional route of the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, to His crucifixion on Mount Calvary. Here are some additional depictions of the Crucifixion as presented on stamps of Vatican City: 
 The Crucifixion: World Anti-Racism Year (Scott 501, 1971) Holy Year 1983-1984 (Scott 721, 1983) Europa 1993 (Scott 932, 1993) REFERENCES: |
