From the archive... March 15, 2008
Sometimes light can play tricks, especially at night, but I can’t help wondering when I photographed the Risen Christ in Medjugorje just over a week ago, if I really did see the “Lamb of God” at the head of the bronze sculpture.
Shown here are three enlargements of the area from full length shots of the figure, so the results are soft and grainy.
Compare them to the above illustration and the one below which shows how the face of Christ normally appears to pilgrims on the ground. Did the sculptor intend to achieve this double image effect?
I have no problem with seeing an imposition of the “sacrificial Lamb” on the sculpture, especially at Medjugorje – where the Lamb of God takes away the sins of the world and grants us peace. The eye, jawbone, snout, nostril and floppy ear features can be identified as the head hangs to one side.
UPDATE... March 20.Be purified of sins and in Jesus, my Son, recognise the sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the entire world. part message to Mirjana, March 2, 2008
These photographs of the “Lamb of God” were taken in Medjugorje five days later, March 7.
Just as John the Baptist pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God to two disciples at the River Jordan, Our Lady is also telling us to to repent of our sins though Jesus and recognise the ‘sacrifice of atonement’.
Looking at photographs of the Risen Christ taken by other photographers, the Lamb of God feature is often visible – if you know what to look for. Even though the sculptor has since confirmed the lamb’s head was not intended when he designed the sculpture, nevertheless the feature is there to be seen. It is visible but unrecognised. It requires pointing out, and even then, there are some who are unable to recognise the “lamb”.
Jesus, remained unrecognised in this way for 30 years until John the Baptist made reference to the Lamb of God: “Look, there is the lamb of God”. Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. John 1 : 35-36
