The Lenten Procession to Calvary with Our Lord

In his book, Roman Pilgrimage: The Station Churches, George Weigel discusses a painting by Peter Bruegel the Elder, The Procession to Calvary. In his discussion, Mr Weigel points out that the setting in this painting, is not first century Jerusalem, but the sixteenth century Flemish countryside.  While there are those in the painting who are acting out the traditional themes, the majority "are clueless about the drama enfolding before their eyes," while in fact,"Christ is carrying the cross through history - right through the grittiness of everyday life."

Weigel explains, "Peter Bruegel the Elder would want us to understand that the Procession to Calvary is taking place in our midst, too . . . Lent is a privileged time for recovering the sight that lets us see and enter the passion play going on around us."

The Procession to Calvary is a marvelous subject to ponder during Lent.  May its contemplation be fruitful for your journey.