The Last Supper
Originally scheduled for December 18
In Italy, in the city of Milan, at a convent named Santa Maria
Delle Grazie, on one wall of the dining room there stands Leonardo
da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper. The convent was undergoing
some renovation, and the Duke of Sforza, Leonardo’s patron,
commissioned him to do the painting. Because the art materials
originally used were not suitable for long-lasting paintings, this
work of art has undergone several renovations. What you see below is
taken from a copy of the work made by da Vinci’s studio.
(click to enlarge)
What
many people do not realize is that da Vinci’s painting shows a
particular moment at the Last Supper, the moment when Jesus reveals
that one of his disciples will betray him.
The commentary on
this work of art occupies many volumes. We can but pick out a few
highlights that are of interest here.
·
Note that the disciples are grouped in groups of three. Indeed the
motif of three things goes throughout the painting, perhaps
referring to the Trinity. Each group is reacting to Christ’s
announcement in its own characteristic way.
·
The group closest to Jesus on his right hand side may surprise you.
Da Vinci recorded which disciple was which in his notebooks, and we
find that the third group of three to his right is comprised of
Peter, John — and Judas Iscariot!
·
Perhaps the most important part we might observe is that all the
perspective lines in the painting converge at a single point. That
point is the head of Christ. Christ is quite literally the center of
the painting.
We may learn something from these three points with
regard to communion.
·
As the disciples reacted to the news each in their own way, so it is
that each of us will have a different reaction to communion. Certain
thoughts are commanded (for example, self-examination) but for the
most part we should have the honesty of having the real us meeting
the real Christ. That is sufficient to remind us of our sins; and
also sufficient to remind us of his grace.
·
The inclusion of Judas with John and Peter, so close to Christ, is a
lesson for those of us who would look around at communion and judge
others is not fit. Christ will judge those; you should judge and
examine yourself.
· The
center part of communion, like the center point of the painting, is
Christ. As you partake, remember that the bread represents his body,
suffering for you. The cup represents his blood, shed so that you
might have the grace of God. See what he has done for you; examine
yourself and commune with Him. Then partake in an honest and
heartfelt way. Make Christ the center point of your thoughts.
