What do we proclaim?

Day 2 Lent 2015:  

"For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as servants for Jesus’ sake." 2 Corinthians 4:5

Here is a masterpiece by Rubens, "Descent from the cross," 1612-14  (You can see it in Antwerp Belgium).

It often appears that death has won,  that evil triumphs, that darkness consumes the light that would lead us.   Notice at the bottom right a bowl that now holds the crown of thorns, the nails, and Pilates inscription leaning against it.  "Here is the king of the Jews."

For me Rubens invokes the mystery of the faith.  Jesus, ghastly white in death, yet there is a hint of the resurrection here, ever so small.

Hope is never extinguished as long as we hold onto Christ.