In commemoration of Good Friday, Justin Hibbard shares an original poem called Pietà, reflecting on the moment when Mary held the body of Jesus after He was lowered from the cross. In the show notes, there are a number of depictions of Pietà if you would like to meditate on the image while you listen to the poem. The text of the poem is also listed in the show notes as well.

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Show Notes:

* Pietà sculpture by Michelangelo

* Pietà painting by Paul Armesto

* Pietà digital art by Shreeharsha Kulkarni

* Pietà painting by Jason Jenicke

* Pietà depiction from Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ

* Music - “Agnus Dei” by Samuel Barber

Pietà by Justin Hibbard

The mother held her sonThe last time like the firstEternity wrapped in swaddling clothesIn a momentIn a loving gazeAn angel’s promise of hopeA sword-piercing pain

The mother held her sonLike Eve held her dead AbelHer wails echoing through the streetsOf ZionThrough time and spaceEven the angel guarding EdenFelt it move his feathersBaptizing him in water and windHe wept

The mother held her sonHis head against her breastsA rose wrapped with thornsPushing into her chestAdam’s curseWeaved into a crown

The mother held her sonThe last time like the firstCovered in bloodFirst hersNow hisSalvation in twisted strands of DNAFilled to the brimLike new wineBursting through skin and flesh

The mother held her sonThe last time like the firstAngels stunnedStrangers peeringThe Ark exposedThrough a shorn robeThe word of her wombNow cradled in her armsShe wrapped him in linenEternity in swaddling clothesThe first time like the lastAnd laid him down to restIn a crèche

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