Friday 10 April 2020 / 21 Days Lock Down Reflection
Christ the Redeemer
Standing below the towering concrete monument of Christ the Redeemer, I could not help but be moved. The sheer scale and craftsmanship of this iconic figure is indeed impressive.
The art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer stands tall on the Corcovado Mountain, overlooking the sprawling city and favelas below in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Constructed between 1922 and 1931, the 635 metric ton masterpiece ascends to 30 meters, excluding its 8-metre pedestal, with its open arms stretching to 28 meters wide.
Even amongst the hustle and bustle of on-looking tourists, I could not help but be stirred. Regardless of one’s religious perspective, you feel compelled to a sense of virtue.
The statue has become a cultural icon of both Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, and is listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. A symbol of Christianity, Faith and Devotion for many.
Faith & Redemption
… but what can be said of Faith at this time?
What can be said of Redemption?
Redemption from the virus, the beast in our midst?
Redemption from its cloak of death as it tallies up the list?
Redemption from our containment, to be granted back our freedom?
Redemption from our crazy mind which has lost its sense of reason?
Redemption of our hatred, our prejudice, our judgements.
Redemption from our greed, our deceitfulness, our indulgence.
Redemption from ourselves?
the Untold Path
Perhaps our Redemption has already been granted.
Do we recognise the fruits from the trees we have planted?
Do we have the courage to change our destructive course?
Or do we insist on finishing what we started?
To what extent do we embrace our Mother who gave us the seed of life?
Do we perpetuate the disease within, with its untold strife?
the Bequeath of all Time
Let’s remember the words of the great master.
Words that hold true for now and ever after.
“So now Faith, Hope, and Love abide,
These three;
But the greatest of these is
Love.”
The statue of Christ the Redeemer remains closed to the public at this time. Recently the monument was illuminated with images of continents and flags in a show of solidarity with countries grappling with the coronavirus pandemic.
You can view a short clip of the display from the link
