sarcophagi

Explain how the sarcophagi reflects Christian beliefs about life after death (8)

1ST VERSION

Firstly, on the sarcophagus, there is an empty cross. this links to the belief in resurrection and support the idea that ‘death is the end of earthly life’ CCC. it also expresses how we cant separate death from resurrection

Secondly, there are 3 wreaths featured on the sarcophagus. these are the roman symbol for victory and symbolise victory over death as Saint Paul states, ‘ O death, where is your victory’

Thirdly, there is a scene of Pilate washing his hands. this symbolise the belief that Jesus was an innocent sacrifice to save us from sin and provide us with eternal life. there is also a scene of Jesus carrying a cross to show that our suffering is manageable

Lastly, the Chi-Rho is at the centre of the sarcophagus. it is used to symbolise Christ the fact that he has provided people with eternal life. as john states, ‘all who believe in me, will not die but have eternal life’

2ND VERSION

Firstly Catholics believe that death is the end of earthly life but the beginning of eternal life. Therefore even in the face of death there is great hope. This is reflected in the central scene where the cross stands in front of the empty tomb. This shows that we can never separate death from the hope of resurrection.

Secondly Catholics also believe that death is not victorious because we have the promise of eternal life with God. Jesus said ‘there are many rooms in my father’s house and St Paul taught ‘death where is your victory’. This is expressed in the sarcophagus by the use of the wreaths in the different scenes. The wreaths are the roman symbols of victory and were often carried by Roman armies going to war.

Thirdly the sarcophagus depicts the scene of Simon of Cyrene carrying a cross however the cross is far too small to crucify a grown man. This shows us that our suffering is manageable even at death because we have the promise of eternal life. The sarcophagus also has the scene of Pilate washing his hands after condemning Jesus to death which expresses the Catholic belief that Jesus was an innocent sacrifice through which we are saved.

Lastly at the very centre is the Chi – Rio. This was an important symbol for the early Christians which expressed belief in Jesus as the Christ. The anointed one who was God’s chosen Messiah and through which we gained eternal life with God. As in John’s gospel it states ‘all who believe in me will not die but will have eternal life.