This fresco depicts a scene from the second book of
Maccabees, in which God sends three angels to defend the temple. This triad occurs
repeatedly: an angelic horseman with two companions, the pope with his two
chair bearers, and Heli
odorus, almost prostrate, framed by two terrified
soldiers. But though the strong presence of the avenging angels immediately
draws the eye, Raphael placed them deliberately off-center. The eye looks to
the angels, their pitiable adversary, and then to the pope and Jewish people.
Last of all, it comes to the center of the fresco: prayerful Onias, the high
priest. Prayer moved God to work this miracle. Raphael reminds us our faith is
not based on miraculous demonstrations of power; miracles are possible through
faith. Despite the clamor of Heliodorus’ castigation, Onias continues in
prayer.
“There appeared to them a richly caparisoned horse,
mounted by a fearsome rider. Charging furiously, the horse attacked Heliodorus
with its front hooves. The rider was seen wearing golden armor.”
2 Maccabees 3:25
