This painting by Eugène Burnand is currently located in the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, France. It was painted in 1898 by the Swiss artist. 

One interesting thing to think about as we look at this famous picture is to consider the art itself.  

In much of the art of previous centuries, there is a great deal of detail and symbolism depicted to show both the literal event and the theological realities that occurred.  

This image is unique because we don’t see the literal events of the day.  

Here we encounter Peter and John — Les Disciples Pierre et Jean courant au Sépulcre le matin de la Résurrection (in English, The Disciples Peter and John run to the Sepulchre on the morning of the Resurrection) – as it is aptly called. 

The Scriptures report they were with Jesus just a few nights before and He ate His last supper with them.  

They were with Him as He was being hauled away to be judged and sentenced to death. They were witnesses to the torture and death of their Lord.  

And, ultimately, they were left alone without Him and probably wondered, “What now?” 

“What does it mean to follow Him if He is not here to lead?”  

They were together as they grieved and eventually heard the news from Mary Magdalene that He was not in the tomb.

The image of Peter and John gives testimony to all these events of the Paschal Mystery and the Truth of the Gospel. 

We see the sadness still in their eyes from His scourging and death on the Cross. 

We see the prayerful hands of John as he prays for God to be the victor — for Jesus to be as He said, the temple that would be rebuilt.  

And finally, the hope and anticipation of the Triumph of the Cross seen in Peter’s eyes.  

And we join with them, with fear and trembling as they run.  

The mix of emotions invites us to experience with them the urgency of this moment and rejoice in the Truth of the Passion, death, and Resurrection of Christ: To run to Christ and seek to be His followers.  

So, the question remains: Are we disciples as they were? 

Do we live a life with Christ, learning to be His followers, and do we walk the journey of the Cross with Him daily? 

And do we urgently run to the tomb when we hear of the miracle of His Resurrection?  

Another way to consider this image is to think from the perspective of one who has recently been given the kerygma — perhaps someone in OCIA, adults rediscovering the Faith, or our children in their sacramental preparation.  

When they hear of the defining actions of Christ in the Paschal Mystery, they are often moved, as the disciples were, to run to Christ and confirm the truth of Christ and what this will mean for the rest of their lives.  

His Paschal Mystery changes their existence; it gives them the Faith, and provides them a future full of hope as a disciple of Him. 

Do you know anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith?  

Are you an adult who did not finish sacramental preparation and are looking for a way to fulfill your 
Christian initiation? 

For more information, contact the Diocese of Madison for assistance at madisondiocese.org/ocia or email us at oec@madisondiocese.org.