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The Reason for Easter
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A Hopeless Dawn, by Frank Bramley, 1888
I have never visited the Tate Gallery in London, where this painting hangs. But, a description of the painting intrigued me. The description was given by Thomas S. Monson: "Many years ago, while in London, England, I visited the famed Tate art gallery. Works by Gainsborough, Rembrandt, Constable, and other renowned artists were displayed in room after room. I admired their beauty and recognized the skill which had been required to create these masterpieces. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the third floor, however, was a painting which not only caught my attention but also captured my heart. The artist, Frank Bramley, had painted a humble cottage facing a windswept sea. Two women, the mother and the wife of an absent fisherman, had watched and waited the night through for his return. Now the night had passed, and the realization had set in that he had been lost at sea and would not return. Kneeling at the side of her mother-in-law, her head buried in the lap of the older woman, the young wife wept in despair. The spent candle on the window ledge told of the fruitless vigil.I sensed the young woman’s heartache I felt her grief. The hauntingly vivid inscription which the artist gave to his work told the tragic story. It read, A Hopeless Dawn." Yes, death is a certain reality of any who lives. No one is exempt. It can be painful for loved ones to lose someone to death. But the oft-asked question: "will I yet live?" has been answered. And that answer came 2000 years ago. |
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The Burial, by Carl Heinrich Bloch, 1873
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus suffered more than mortal can comprehend. He experienced every pain, sorrow, sickness, and anguish of sin for every soul who did or ever will live. He did this willingly, out of love. He was then betrayed by a friend. Taken, and tried illegally. He was mocked, beaten, and spat upon. Pilate gave in to the angry mob who chanted: "Crucify him!" He was scourged with a whip laden with stones and pieces of metal. A crown of thorns placed upon his head. He was nailed through his hands, wrists, and feet upon a cross. The people continued to mock and taunt him. Yet he simply said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) When everything which was required of him by the father had been accomplished he gave up the ghost. His body was taken, wrapped, and laid in a borrowed tomb. But that was only half of the gift. The other half would come 3 days later. |
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The Resurrection, by Carl Heinrich Bloch, 1873
Mary Magdalene and another Mary came to the tomb and found it empty. As they wept, an angel spoke to them saying: "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen." (Luke 24:5-6). A short time later, Christ Jesus showed himself to Mary and his disciples. Paul later taught: "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:21-22) Yes, that question: "Will I yet live?" has been answered. All will live again. This is the great gift of Jesus Christ. It is a gift for you. It is a gift for me. It is a gift for all mankind. This is the great gift we celebrate this Easter Season. Happy Easter! |
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