I noticed the effects of light on this cross, placed on the back stage of the Scudder auditorium at the Christian Medical College, Vellore, during a recent visit to attend a meeting.
Light casts its shadow.
The shadow parallel to the wooden frame of the cross along with the variable light making a difference in the brightness of the cross in the upper and lower part drew my attention.
The light is to dispel darkness. However it also casts shadow when light falls tangentially. If the light were to fall directly on the cross, the chance of shadow is minimal.
The shadow of the cross is an image of the cross. The image is diffuse and light dependant!
The cross is factual representing a historic truth, but its image of the shadow does not represent the truth.
It was while dwelling on the cross and its shadow, I got inspired by a thought that has since then stayed on!
The truth and facts about the cross remind us of the symbol of an ambulance, the emblem of the Red Cross society.... it is a symbol, of faith for the followers of Jesus of Nazareth.
The fact and Truth about the symbol of the cross carry meaning and message. But its shadow is only a visual effect and therefore is only like viewing an art experience.
It helped me to reflect on the question: How much am I occupied with the truth ! Or am I likely to be carried away by shadows of a truth!
The shadows of a truth are many, variable and subjective. The truth is factual and profound when engaged !
The movement from the shadow to the truth is an inward experience of moving from the periphery to the centre and the cardinal! The shadows have variability, but the truth has profoundness and is transformational! The shadow of the cross represents all rituals, traditions and dogmas which divide people and make them denominational in practice.
But the cross transcends all these and announces the truth of Love that Jesus of Nazareth expressed to the thief hanging beside Him in another cross, " You shall be with me in paradise..."!
What is central and seminal is love that forgives and heals! The shadow of the cross which symbolises rituals, traditions, dogmas, and denominational doctrines sometimes overshadow the truth of the cross!
Moving beyond all shadows to be absorbed in the Truth of the Cross can bring a conciliatory pilgrimage experience!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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