Few people in the world know of this treasure that is housed in the Military Museum in Milan.  This is an unfinished carving of the Pietra.  We are aware of the famous carving that is housed in the Vatican but this unfinished masterpiece by the great artist depicts a deeper understanding of that moment when Jesus was taken from the cross and placed in the loving arms of his Mother, Mary.

I took the time when visiting this museum to study the carving and realized that Michelangelo wanted the viewer to observe that as you view the statue that the intimate moments changes.  At first the body of Jesus is in the arms of Mary.  But then as you walk the body of Jesus becomes active in the moment and embraces the woman who wanted to exchange herself for her Son.  This is a beautiful image that causes the viewer to understand that the sacrifice of Christ on the cross was active in his embracing of the world through forgiveness of our sins.

We will not have the privilege of celebrating the sacred days of Holy Week  -   Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday  -   this year because of COVID19.  Our lives have been put on hold.  It is a similar state that the disciples must have felt when they witnessed the passion and death of their Master, Jesus.  The Gospels described the utter despair they felt in the moments of betrayal, passion, carrying of the cross and his death.  The disciples felt that there was nothing to live for.  It was only the women disciples with John who stood at the foot of the cross and agonized with the Lord. 

This image of the unfinished Pieta may give us the insight to know that the Saviour does embrace us as Michelangelo wanted the viewer to see.  Jesus embraced his Mother as He embraces us all and holds us close to Himself. 

Trust in His love for you this Holy Week and allow His embrace to lift you to the joy of Easter.

Father Jim Higgins