WHEN STONES CRY OUT...
It’s a Croatian tradition to produce and paint large egg-shaped forms for Easter, as seen in the above example displayed at the entrance to St James’ parish church in Medjugorje. And how impressive it is and a wonderful symbol of new life and the Resurrection.
You can also see that the stone walls of the church become stained and discoloured in places over time, mainly caused by weather components, and if you look to the left of the Easter egg you will observe an extreme example of this. Discolouration can also be seen in other parts of the wall.
But take a closer look at the darkened stone on the left edge of the egg. Could its juxtaposition be considered meaningful in any way, as the mark resembles or suggests the head of the Crucified Christ and Crown of Thorns? Perhaps it is just my over-active imagination, but it does inspire contemplation.
Shortly after Jesus entered Jerusalem for the Passover and eventual death on the Cross, his disciples acclaimed him along with the people as the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Some pharisees took exception to this and said to Jesus, “Master, check your disciples”, but he answered, “I tell you, if these keep silence the stones will cry out.” (Luke : 19 : 39-40)
Some will ‘see’ the suggestion of the image, others won’t. But it is interesting to notice that the head and figure of Our Lady on the Easter egg is turned to face the ‘likeness’ featured on the stone. Note also that the extended hair falling around the back of the neck of Christ is also matched to stones painted on the Easter egg.