The Sarabite: Towards an Aesthetic Christianity

There is a continuous attraction, beginning with God, going to the world, and ending at last with God, an attraction which returns to the same place where it began as though in a kind of circle. -Marsilio Ficino

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

El Justo Juez


Does anyone have any knowledge of the history of this particular image of the crucifixion, known in Spanish as the "Justo Juez" or the Just Judge? I grew up seeing it, but I don't really know where it came from or the symbolism behind it. Any info would be appreciated, even tangential, anecdotal stories. I am especially relying on my readers who have some knowledge of Spanish/Filipino Catholicism.

58 Comments:

At 10:37 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I know the Melchites have a tradition that Christ rules and judges from the Cross. On the Byzantine cross that is the significance of the bars at Our Lord's feet. Perhops it was borrowed from the Eastern Catholics or Orthodox

 
At 12:24 AM, Blogger Archistrategos said...

It's possible that it could be Byzantine in origin. I was surprised when I found out that the Volto Santo was heavily influenced by Byzantine iconography.

I think I remember a similar image from one of my grandparents' prayer books. I am more familiar with the Siete Potencias Africanas version (where the Justo Juez is surrounded by seven saints), though, but then that is already too voodoo to be Catholic. I am almost certain that the rooster symbolizes His threefold betrayal on Peter's part; I also recall some versions of this image which show the sun and moon weeping on either side of the Cross. The pose also seems reminiscent of the Cristo Moribundo.

 
At 6:23 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

without falling into a Protestant polemic---some of the candles in Hispanic stores do have especially the Afro Caribbean some voodoo and pagan/occultic roots both in philosophy and practice
while I agree with Arturo on the theology following the practice and the practice not always flowing from the philosophical premise--the practice in practical terms is used in not complete orthopraxy but many times with foretelling the future or asking for things they should not have in a Catholic paradigm
In Mexico there are certainly syncretic beliefs and practices with the indigenous beliefs and practices pre-Christianity to this day

 
At 7:10 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've only ever seen that exact image as the centerpiece of the "Seven African Powers", which is Santeria.

As for the origin of the portrayal of the crucified Christ with all the instruments of his Passion, it wouldn't have originated before the late Middle Ages; most pious passion iconography in the West has its roots in Franciscan mysticism, and was first given artistic expression in the 14th-16th centuries. The Man of Sorrows, the Arma Christi, the Fountain of Life, the Mystical Winepress, the Seven Dolors; the Pietá, the Holy Sepulcher and the Stations of the Cross all originate about this time.

-Daniel Mitsui

 
At 11:49 AM, Blogger Arturo Vasquez said...

AG has just sent me this information on the image, which is part of an essay on the "Siete Potencias Africanas":

"Most prominent is the crucified Jesus surrounded by a group of objects associated with his passion and death. This tableau called the Arma Christi, Arms of Christ or Instruments of the Passion, are a group of objects associated with Christ's suffering, death and burial. The Arma Christi is commonly found on paintings depicting the Mass of Saint Gregory. As commonly found on the candles the image includes the cock that reminded Peter that he had denied Jesus, a column and scourge, the cross, the hammer and nails along with the pliers used to remove the nails, the sponge used to offer Jesus vinegar to quench His thirst and the lance that pierced His side. This image focuses attention on one of the most important events in Christian mythology and places the candle squarely within a Christian milieu."

You can read the whole essay here if you are in to that kind of stuff.

"El Justo Juez", however, can stand by itself, as I have shown in this candle. I only ask because I have recently obtained a holy card of this image and was wondering where it came from.

Here is a prayer that was written in the 19th century for "el Justo Juez". I reproduce it here in Spanish since I have no time to translate it:

"Santisimo Justo Juez, hijo de Santa Maria, que mi cuerpo no se asombre ni mi sangre sea vertida, donde quiera que vaya y venga, las manos del Senor delante las tenga, las de mi Senor San Andres, antes y despues, las de mi Senor San Blas, delante y detras, las de la Senora Virgen Maria, que vayan y vengan, mis enemigos salgan con ojos y no me vean, con armas y no me ofendan, con Justicia y no me prendan, con el pano que Nuestro Senor Jesucristo fue envuelto sea mi cuerpo, que no sea herido ni preso, ni a la verguenza de la carcel puesto. Si en este dia hubiese alguna sentencia en contra mia, que se revoque por la bendicion del Padre, del Hijo y Espiritu Santo. AMEN. La companie de Dios sea conmigo y el Manto de Santa Maria, su madre, me cobije y de malos peligros me defienda. Ave Maria gratia plena, Dominus Tecum, me libre de todo espiritu maligno bautizado y por bautizar. Cristo vence, Cristo reina, Cristo de todos los malos peligros me defienda...El Senor y Justo individual hijo de Santa Maria Virgen, Aquel que nacio en aquel solemne dia, que no pueda ser muerto ni me quieran mal."

Source

 
At 2:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Arturo,
Are you and AG into Santeria?
That would not be totally unexpected by your two backgrounds.

I think Daniel Mitsui makes too categorical of a statement that it the iconography could not predate the 14th century.

 
At 3:53 PM, Blogger AG said...

Good Morning Jesus!!!

This image (and a short, badly translated English prayer) was on a holy card in a Catholic bookstore, so I'm not sure what is influencing what.

 
At 10:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I want the Cholo Pelon candle. It is very powerful with many miracles.

 
At 7:53 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You didn't learn your syncretic voodun santeria at the SSPX seminary.

 
At 8:50 AM, Blogger Arturo Vasquez said...

Actually, I learned there how to make a potion using some of Archbishop Lefebvre's hair that should have made Cardinal Kasper's teeth fall out.

When I tried it, it didn't work.

I also failed drum. I guess I will have to find another way to invoke the orishas.

 
At 11:11 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

 
At 12:53 PM, Blogger M.J. said...

One also sees instruments of the passion surrounding Nuestra Señora de Soledad.

The Byzantine Christians do in fact have a highly devloped theology on the cross surrounded by the instruments of the passion. I was told that the Raskolniks, or the Russian Orthodox Old Believers, have an especial devotion to this.

 
At 5:10 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I live in Montreal and saw this candle for sale at a "Dollar" store in a neighborhood that's full of immigrants, ( nearby are Creole, Greek, Quebecois restaurants including a pupusaria).
I've seen other devotional candles in other Dollar stores.

 
At 12:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.ganar-dinero-ya.com][img]http://www.ganar-dinero-ya.com/ganardinero.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]Estas buscando formas de ganar dinero[/b]
Nosotros hemos hallado la mejor guia en internet de como ganar dinero. Como nos ha sido de utilidad a nosotros, tambien les puede ser de interes para ustedes. No son solo metodos de ganar dinero con su pagina web, hay todo tipo de formas de ganar dinero en internet...
[b][url=http://www.ganar-dinero-ya.com][img]http://www.ganar-dinero-ya.com/dinero.jpg[/img][/url]Te recomendamos entrar a [url=http://www.ganar-dinero-ya.com/]Ganar-dinero-ya.com[/url][url=http://www.ganar-dinero-ya.com][img]http://www.ganar-dinero-ya.com/dinero.jpg[/img][/url][/b]

 
At 7:19 AM, Anonymous generic viagra said...

Hello people want to express my satisfaction with this blog very creative and I really like the views of the focus very good indeed Thank you for the helpful information. I hope you keep up the good work on making your blog a success!

 
At 12:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working ,great job!

 
At 1:48 AM, Blogger sfelce84 said...

Te quiero compartir una serie de 4 videos gratis
que paso a paso nos ensenan como ganar nuestro primer dolar por internet.

Te dejo el enlace para que lo veas
http://login507.com/vivir-del-internet?promo=136057

 
At 12:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

dating someone who has cancer http://loveepicentre.com show some dating magazines

 
At 6:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

czech models dating http://loveepicentre.com/advice.php doctors dating patients

 
At 12:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

[url=http://loveepicentre.com/advice.php][img]http://loveepicentre.com/uploades/photos/2.jpg[/img][/url]
adult dating san antonio [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]top 100 adult profile dating sites[/url] totally free dating online for couples
best of the best dating sites [url=http://loveepicentre.com]united kingdom top 100 dating site[/url] vitual online dating games
local dating sites in redwood [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]dating sits for bikers[/url] xxx biker dating

 
At 11:20 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

[url=http://loveepicentre.com/][img]http://loveepicentre.com/uploades/photos/4.jpg[/img][/url]
adult dating site in norway [url=http://loveepicentre.com/success_stories.php]they dating magazines[/url] lesbian dating in seattle
totally free online adult dating websites [url=http://loveepicentre.com/articles.php]marine dating sites[/url] free nyc speed dating
dating lesbian sites [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]why are parents concerned about dating[/url] rw leawood 3 dating profile

 
At 8:20 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

nursing in contemporary society ebook http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/it/Dee-Cox/m28868/ formats reader ebook [url=http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/The-History-of-Life-A-Very-Short-Introduction/p181922/]ford f150 tech manual ebook[/url] download ncert text book ebook

 
At 9:56 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

abandonment to divine providence free ebook http://audiobooksplanet.co.uk/es/Religi-n-y-Espiritualidad/c1061/?page=42 bookeen cybook opus ebook linux [url=http://audiobooksplanet.co.uk/Saberi-A/m113620/]ebook uk financial system[/url] history on ebook

 
At 9:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

zaurus ebook reader http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/M18-Hellcat-Tank-Destroyer-1943-97/p173140/ free ebook dictionary [url=http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/Handbook-of-Digital-Forensics-and-Investigation/p210636/]sanctuary ebook beverly barton[/url] intercultural communication in contexts ebook
[url=http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/it/Production-Safety-for-Film-Television-and-Video/p211844/][img]http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/image/1.gif[/img][/url]

 
At 7:03 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

In accordance with my research, after a foreclosed home is
available at a sale, it is common for your borrower to still have the
remaining unpaid debt on the personal loan. There are many
loan companies who try and have all expenses and liens paid
back by the upcoming buyer. On the other hand, depending on ecified programs, restrictions,
and state laws and regulations there may be some loans which
aren't easily handled through the shift of financial loans. Therefore, the obligation still falls on the borrower that has acquired his or her property in foreclosure process. Many thanks for sharing your notions on this weblog.

my web page - chat dating

 
At 3:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey, you used to write magnificent, but the last few
posts have been kinda boring� I miss your great writings.
Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!

Also visit my site dating love online

 
At 9:14 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I do not know who you are but certainly you're going to a famous blogger if
you aren't already ;) Cheers!

Here is my web site; coffee wholesale

 
At 11:47 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I�m impressed, I need to say. Actually not often do I encounter a weblog
that�s both educative and entertaining, and let
me tell you, you could have hit the nail on the head.

Your idea is excellent; the problem is one thing that not sufficient individuals are
talking intelligently about. I am very comfortable that I stumbled throughout this in my seek
for one thing referring to this.

My blog ... http://bookmarkun.tk/

 
At 4:08 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.
I will make sure to bookmark your blog and may come back in the future.
I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great work, have a nice weekend!


Stop by my site :: jungnickelat.dyndns.org

 
At 11:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Heya! I'm at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 3gs! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the superb work!

My blog; aroundthenflblog.blogspot.co.uk

 
At 11:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I'm not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You're incredible!
Thanks!

Take a look at my homepage; free dating it

 
At 5:41 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is the best time to make a few plans for the future and
it's time to be happy. I have read this submit and if I may just I wish to suggest you few interesting issues or advice. Maybe you could write next articles regarding this article. I want to read even more issues about it!

My webpage: free dating websites online

 
At 3:29 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whats up! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the good
data you might have right here on this post. I will be coming
back to your blog for more soon.

My website dating online online

 
At 3:29 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It�s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before.

Also visit my web site - dating websites for women

 
At 4:20 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be okay. I'm undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new
updates.

Feel free to surf to my website - facebook sex

 
At 2:02 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I got this website from my friend who told me about this web page and at the
moment this time I am visiting this web site and reading very informative
articles here.

Visit my web-site ... how to get your ex girlfriend back

 
At 2:05 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good day! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm undoubtedly
enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.

Here is my web page :: how to get your ex back fast

 
At 6:09 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for making me to acquire new tips about computer systems.
I also possess the belief that certain of the best
ways to maintain your notebook computer in best condition is to use a hard plastic case, or shell, that suits over
the top of the computer. These kind of protective gear tend to be model unique since they are
made to perfectly in the natural housing. You can buy these directly from the vendor, or through third party sources if they are designed for your laptop computer, however don't assume all laptop can have a shell on the market. Just as before, thanks for your suggestions.

Have a look at my web blog; popular dating sites

 
At 3:01 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good day! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm absolutely enjoying your
blog and look forward to new updates.

Here is my weblog ... for dating sites

 
At 10:50 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...



Feel free to visit my weblog facebook of sex

 
At 10:50 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...



Check out my web page ... kmitl.ac.th

 
At 1:33 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

hello!,I really like your writing very a lot! percentage we communicate extra approximately your post on AOL?
I need a specialist in this area to unravel my problem.
May be that's you! Having a look forward to look you.

My homepage: facebookofsex

 
At 3:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have taken note that of all different types of insurance, health insurance
is the most marked by controversy because of the turmoil between the insurance company's duty to remain profitable and the buyer's need to have insurance cover.

Insurance companies' profits on well being plans ome low, consequently some corporations struggle to generate income. Thanks for the concepts you discuss through this site.

Feel free to visit my web-site: free online dateing sites

 
At 3:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to look it over.

I'm definitely loving the information. I'm bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Terrific blog and terrific style and design.

Also visit my web blog dating adult

 
At 2:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've learned many important things by means of your post. I will also like to express that there might be situation that you will get a loan and do not need a cosigner such as a National Student Support Loan. However, if you are getting a loan through a common loan service then you need to be ready to have a co-signer ready to allow you to. The lenders will probably base their decision using a few factors but the main one will be your credit standing. There are some loan companies that will additionally look at your work history and determine based on this but in most cases it will be based on on your credit score.

Also visit my blog facebook of sex

 
At 10:23 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I�ve read some good stuff here. Definitely worth
bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you
put to create such a wonderful informative website.

my web site - adult finder

 
At 7:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You can use with lenders according to your unique choice and also requirement. You might want a reliable supplier which you can obtain anytime and have money without delay. However, not all assets are believed to be capital property for tax purposes. same day loans Personal problems will come for anybody the only thing you can do that to generally be ready when they're due and for remaining ready these loans can help you.

 
At 1:01 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

These loans are not concerned with past credit history on the borrower and offer cash options when they drop in emergent necessity of them. Should you choose decide to refinance it is important to keep in mind all the tips we've mentioned before when you go shopping around to get a mortgage! You can look at to get the money directly from $5,1000 credit like will not offer accepted on the same day of applying. instant payday loans Aside from, the related repayments are very versatile and flexible as per choices.

 
At 5:29 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

wonderful points altogether, you simply gained a new reader.
What might you suggest about your publish that you just made
a few days ago? Any certain?

My web-site :: facebook sex

 
At 6:08 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for this wonderful article. Yet another
thing to mention is that almost all digital cameras are available equipped with the zoom lens that allows more or less of that scene to generally be included through 'zooming' in and out.
Most of these changes in focus length will be reflected inside viewfinder and on significant display screen at the back
of the camera.

Also visit my website - facebook of sex

 
At 9:55 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am actually glad to read this website posts which carries lots of helpful facts, thanks for providing
these statistics.

Take a look at my blog post: http://abcreditcardpayments.com/regatta-clothing-has-a-new-online-store/

 
At 10:44 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello, everything is going sound here and ofcourse every one is
sharing data, that's genuinely excellent, keep up writing.

Feel free to visit my page :: nice clothing

 
At 6:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally right.
This post truly made my day. You can not imagine simply how much
time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

My web site - http://www.greyscustomgold.com/No-fuss-secrets-for-modcloth-coupon-code-the-inside-track/

 
At 11:35 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

gay dating for christians http://loveepicentre.com swimmer's body dating
megaphone gay dating number [url=http://loveepicentre.com/taketour/]dating services savings codes[/url] adult dating service uk
dating daria [url=http://loveepicentre.com/advice/]hiv positive gay dating sites[/url] minneapolis dating service [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/halvin26/]halvin26[/url] housewife black dating

 
At 9:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

big beautiful women dating north dakota http://loveepicentre.com/advice/ dating sites gloucester area
dating alberta [url=http://loveepicentre.com/map/]black dating myths[/url] 50 and over online dating
online dating reasearch warnings [url=http://loveepicentre.com/map/]is khloe kardashian dating anyone[/url] dating check scam [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/Opeyemi/]Opeyemi[/url] ashley tisdale dating kasey kane

 
At 6:40 PM, Blogger chenlili said...

ray ban
jordan xx9
air max 270
true religion jeans
jordan 4
air jordan
louboutin
birkenstock sandals
nike revolution
ralph lauren uk
20184.10chenjinyan

 
At 6:29 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

lacoste polo shirts
longchamp handbags
yeezy 500
timberland shoes
jordans
james harden shoes
huarache shoes
cheap nfl jerseys china
air jordan shoes
michael kors

 
At 5:06 AM, Blogger yanmaneee said...

supreme outlet
yeezy supply
moncler
off white clothing
supreme
kyrie 6
kd13
jordan shoes
goyard
supreme clothing

 

Post a Comment

<< Home