Madonna of the Cross

This wonderfully expressive sculpture, by Malcolm Brocklesby (1933-2010), is in Ripon Cathedral. A larger version of it stands in the ruins of Mount Grace Priory a few miles away, though there you can walk right round it. The cross is even more apparent when you approach it from behind. The version in the Cathedral may, I think, be a maquette for the larger work. (The face of the larger sculpture is a little less defined and leaves more room for your imagination so on balance I preferred that one, but this is still arresting.)

The dedication by the sculptor says: 'This Madonna is not the meek and subservient figure portrayed in many Renaissance works, but a determined and intelligent young woman who understands the wonder and the importance of her calling as she dedicates her Child to the purpose of her Creator. She is also aware of the suffering that this will entail. The figure of the Madonna is integral with that of the Cross, the stark and terrible symbol at the heart of Christianity, which is an inescapable part of her existence. Her expression, however, is more of serenity than anguish. She is looking beyond Calvary to the Resurrection and the way in which she holds the Christ Child high suggests the subsequent Ascension rather than the immediate prospect of a sacrificial death.'

The sculpture came to mind as I thought about Christmas, aware this year that, for many families in the UK and elsewhere, there will be the anguish this year of empty places at the table, some temporary and some sadly permanent. It's been a tough year. Yet the promise of Christmas is Emmanuel:  'God with us', in all the beauty and messiness of our precious world. Let's not forget that and let us take comfort from it too. 

Do have a listen to this beautiful song, the Angels’ Carol, by John Rutter, arranged and sung by members of my cousin’s amateur theatre group. I think it's sublime. Click HERE. 

Wishing you and your loved ones every blessing this Christmas

(This is how I've spent much of 2020, on a Zoom screen - though not always with such a festive backdrop!)