Monday, March 5, 2018

The Place of the Skull

A-Poem-a-Day
Until Resurrection Day

Image credit: panoramio.com


THE PLACE OF THE SKULL[1]
“O death, where is your sting?” 1 Cor 15:55

Israel Pilgrimage—1987

We gather at the base
of a mountainous rock
into which time has carved
the natural image of a human skull
…hence, its chilling name:
Place of the Skull

Above this mound lies Golgotha
where on the most significant day
in the history of the world
Jesus of Nazareth was crucified
between two thieves

I stare into the hollow eyes
of this ominous image
and am reminded of Ezekiel
and the dry bones

bones that took on flesh
and blood and breath
and came to life
before his very eyes

Life.

Life is what happens at Golgotha

Life that is victorious
over the skull and bones. Victorious
over the ominous face of death

Life. Everlasting life—
for all atoned of sin

who believe

Maude Carolan Pych


[1] There are two locations worthy of serious consideration as the place of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, the traditional site lies within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the other is Gordon’s Calvary (Golgotha/The Place of the Skull) and the Garden Tomb. Ref. Grace Communion International

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