The Divine Strength

The sculptures by Eduardo Castrillo and Ram Mallari depicting Christ on a crucifix explore the continuing relevance of the sign of the cross, for it is through this sign that contemporary artworks might come into focus as icons, emblems, and relics of piety today.

For Catholics, the cross has a deep meaning. It is an understanding Christ’s death on the cross to be “completed” by God’s raising him from the dead three days later. This resurrection is a sign of Christ’s “victory” over sin and death. Believers could share in this victory by being baptized, forgiven of past sin and “reborn” into a new life.

The Crucifix has become an elegant statement of the Christian truth that should be at the heart of our contemplation during the Lenten season: the fact that our dear Lord and Savior has come, and is here, to powerfully redeem the likes of us with his love. Eduardo Castrillo and Ram Mallari have given the audience a truly remarkable and appropriate image for our penitential journey. May our Lord add his increase to our understanding of the truth of this image, so that we might have a deeper walk with him.