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Here we see pomegranates in both
the upper and lower panels. Sometimes used to represent Easter Day, the
pomegranate denotes hope and the resurrection. Also, because of the many
seeds in one fruit, pomagranates represent the Church Universal, fertility
and the richness of divine grace.
Easter Lilies, or the Lily of the Madonna, adorn the upper panel behind the Virgin Mary. These are frequently found in relation to Mary, denoting purity. In the lower corner of the upper panel we see the sacrificial Lamb of God, perhaps foretelling the events which await the Christ Child, and bringing to mind the words of John the Baptist: The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John bore witness, "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God." The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" John 1:29-36 In the lower panel are depicted a crown of glory, emblematic of Jesus as Lord and King, and a crown of thorns, symbolizing the Passion of our Lord. |
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