Collier Street Windows - Reflexions for Holy Week and Easter

The Resurrection - Hope

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The right-hand window shows the Resurrection of Jesus, which we celebrate on Easter Sunday.  The scene portrayed is that told by Mark’s gospel, as we can see by the numbers of women and angels (Mark 16:1-5).  As in the previous window, women play a central role in this most pivotal scene for the Christian faith.

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The women have gone to anoint Jesus’ body as an act of devotion and love, in an echo of the action of a woman at Bethany (Mark 14:3).  When they came to the tomb, seeking to find someone to help them to roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb, they found to their surprise that it had been rolled away.  In the picture we see the women’s shock and surprise that Jesus is not there. 

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Whilst the women look down to the earth, the angel at the top of the picture is pointing heavenwards as he says to them “He has risen! He is not here” (Mark 16:6). 

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They came to the tomb in sadness, and left the tomb initially in confusion and fear (Mark 16:8).  However, the angel gives them hope that Jesus will again be seen by the disciples in Galilee. 

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As they leave in shock, their toes touch the plants growing vigorously at their feet.  Jesus has risen – new life has come from, and triumphed over, death!  

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We celebrate the new life Jesus brings, and the hope that this brings for the world.  While there is sadness, there is hope - even in these challenging times.