On the apse wall in the basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. is a large mosaic of Christ seated in Judgment. People either love it or hate it. Some who hate it point out that the mosaic depicts a muscular, physically strong Christ. But Christ triumphed in weakness. The Lord of all creation made Himself small and humble to conquer sin and death. Therefore, they say, the image is a blasphemy.
We have to remember that artists attempt to depict the infinite within the bounds of the finite. The greatest challenge of the artist is to try to make the limitless, understandable to our limited comprehension. The language of art is the language of symbols.
The appearance of a physically strong Christ is a symbol of His spiritual strength.
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. Jesus told us His kingdom was not of this earth. But He is frequently depicted in art as an earthly king because it is a symbol of His divine kingship. The thief at the Lord’s left did not understand this. The thief on the right did.
The thief on the left asked to be delivered from his physical pain and suffering. The thief on the right asked only that he not be forgotten when Christ came into His kingdom.
The Kingdom of God begins in our hearts. It is there He reigns. As we prepare our hearts to wait for his coming let us ask ourselves who truly rules over us?
Pax vobiscum
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
(Msgr. Charles Pope has a great post describing the symbolism and imagery of this mosaic. It can be found here.)