scenes of the Passion Sarcophagi + the Paschal Candle

Question 1

sarcophagi: crown of thorns

Answer 1

jesus given crown if thorns. crown filled with jewels symbolising that Jesus’ death was actually a triumph over sin

Question 2

sarcophagi: cross with ‘Chi-Rho’

Answer 2

in the centre. Chi-Rho is an ancient symbol of the resurrection highlighting Jesus rose from the dead

Question 3

sarcophagi: wreath + eagles

Answer 3

roman symbols of victory above the cross. shows Jesus’ victory over sin as his death was a sacrifice

Question 4

sarcophagi: empty cross

Answer 4

used as the early Christians did not want to show Jesus dead or suffering. Empty cross pointed to the belief that Jesus rose from the dead

Question 5

paschal candle: ‘alpha’ and ‘omega’

Answer 5

first and last letters of the greek alphabet. symbolise christ as the ‘first’ and ‘last’;beginning of all things; and the end of all things

Question 6

paschal candle: the flame

Answer 6

represents Jesus as the light of the world. shows that Jesus’ sacrifice overcame sin and desth

Question 7

paschal candle: the five wounds

Answer 7

candle has 5 studs on it to represent the five wounds jesus received during his crucifixion

Question 8

paschal candle: the year

Answer 8

each year the candle is marked with that particular year. reminds people that jesus is the same for all time and that the salvation earned by jesus is as real now as it was in the past