Good Friday

Church of our Lady -- Luxembourg City

Today is Good Friday and a number of places, especially shops, were closed today.  As someone of the Christian faith, it is a time to reflect upon the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

During our travels this week, we have visited numerous churches and cathedrals, admittedly in part due to the architecture and aesthetics of these grand houses of worship, but also for reflection.  We saw gorgeous stained glass, massive organ pipes, and candles lit in memory of loved ones departed.

St. Matthias Church -- Trier

In Trier, we visited St. Matthias Church, named for the apostle Matthias.   Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the 12 apostles after Judas betrayed Jesus (Acts 1:26).  As many as 50,000 pilgrims walk great lengths to pay homage to Matthias and pray for his intercession.  He was martyred and his relics were said to have been brought to Trier by St. Helena, Constantine the Great's mother.  We saw the tomb with a marble effigy that is in front of the altar as well as the sarcophagus in the crypt underneath that holds his relics.

Issenheim Altarpiece -- Colmar

Showing how the polyptych works

In Colmar, France, we saw the Issenheim Altarpiece, the master work of German artist Matthias Grünewald.  An altarpiece is a typically a work of art depicting some type of religious scene that is placed behind the altar in Christian churches.  This work is a polyptych -- a series of two-sided paintings on hinges that pivot like shutters.  As the church year progresses, priests can change the painting by opening or closing the various panels.  We've never seen such a work before, and to me, this is an ingenious way to have a single work portray so many different themes and emotions.  Grünewald completed his work circa 1515, so the altarpiece is over 500 years old.  For display purposes, the altarpiece has been disassembled to that all of the paintings may be seen at the same time; however, a model on the wall showed us how the polyptych works.

Parish Church -- Kayserberg

Finally, this afternoon we visited the village of Kayserburg along the Alsace Route du Vins.  There in local parish church is a massive crucifix that hangs from the pinnacle of the arch along the center aisle.  A stark reminder of the pain and suffering of Jesus who died for our sins.