Cedar & Stars

Although an account of Jesus meeting his mother Mary immediately after his resurrection is not to be found in the Gospels, old Christian devotion, particularly in Spain, wished to honor the Blessed Virgin. In this Juan de Flandes piece, the composition of Mary's gesture/posture in a temple setting mirrors the traditional depictions of the Annunciation. Note the closed book of scripture and the new temple and portal arch. On the arch are scenes of Pentecost, the Visitation, the Coronation, and the Annunciation.

“When the third day came, it brought bewilderment and anxiety to the Disciples. The women going to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus sought him and could not find him. The Apostles were gathered together in their fear, guarding the doors. Then, surely, though we are not told of this in the Gospels, Mary spoke of the Resurrection of her Son, that he had truly risen from death, that he was alive again in all his humanity, no more subject to death, risen to an eternal glory. We read that Mary Magdalen and the Apostles were first to see the risen Christ. But we may believe that Mary his Mother knew of his rising before all others, and that she was the first to see him. It was Mary in her lowliness who first gave praise and adoration to the risen Christ.” -St. Bridget of Sweden

Christ Appearing to His Mother | Cedar & Stars For Queen Isabella of Castile (ca. 1496), Juan de Flandes painted the legend of Jesus appearing to his mother post his resurrection. The iconographic composition of Mary's gesture and setting mirrors the traditional depictions of the Annunciation. Note the closed book of scripture and the new temple...

December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception