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The cross is a place and a moment of isolation – on ‘A green hill far away’. At the same time, it stands close to the heart of every Christian believer and community. With worshipping communities scattered, and communal worship impossible – Baptist minister the Revd Richard Littledale asks whether the cross stands further from us or closer to us in current circumstances. Neil McGregor has been enthralled by Salvador Dali’s depiction of the cross since he was a boy. As Director of the National Gallery, he would bring the painting to London as a key element of the Seeing Salvation exhibition, but he believes it speaks into every context even especially our current isolation. Richard also speaks to a medic on the front line of treating the COVID 19 infection and asks, when sickness, and even death loom larger to all of us, whether they think the cross seems closer to us or further away? Producer: Andrew Earis.

Music

There is a green hill far away (from St John Passion) - Bob Chilcott
Sung by St Martin’s Voices (´óÏó´«Ã½ recording)

Crucifixus - Lotti
Sung by Tenebrae (CD: Allegri Miserere - Signum)

Libera me from Faure’s Requiem
Sung by Sir Thomas Allen and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields (CD: Faure Requiem - Classic FM The Full Works)

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Sung by Williard White (CD: Copland - Old American Songs - Chandos)

Lux aurumque - Eric Whitacre
Sung by the Eric Whitacre Singers (CD: Light and Gold - Decca)

The Lamb - John Tavener
Sung by Tenebrae (CD: Allegri Miserere - Signum)