Contemplating the Crucified Christ*

The Dominican Convent of San Marco in Florence, Italy became the home of many celebrated Dominicans in the fifteenth century, including the artist Fra Angelico (1395-1455), the Archbishop of Florence St. Antoninus of Florence (1389-1459), the artist Fra Bartolomeo (1472-1517), and Fra Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498). The cells of the friars' dormitories were decorated by Fra Angelico in collaboration with others. The frescoes (a painting done rapidly in watercolor on wet plaster on a wall or ceiling, so that the colors penetrate the plaster and become fixed as it dries) served not merely as means of instruction, still less as adornment, but as aids to contemplation and meditation. The brothers inhabiting the cells would have constantly before them a vivid yet chaste reminder of one of the events in the life of Our Lord Christ.

In Cell number 37 of the convent, the Savior is seen crucified between the two thieves. The Virgin Mary and St. John the Beloved stand to the side. St. John rests his head heavy with sadness in his hand right hand while he brings his left hand up to his cheek. St. Dominic spreads his arms contemplating the Savior and behind him St. Thomas Aquinas is seen kneeling, contemplating the Word of God before the crucifix.

The brother assigned in cell no. 37 must had been reminded every moment of the love of God. We must always contemplate and never forget the Love of God.

The Lord remembers even the thief so much so that He said: "Hodie mecum eris in paradiso" (Today, you shall be with me in Paradise). (Lk 23:43). Heaven is assured to those who are repentant, to those who love.