Christ Alone

Today it is Friday.

It’s been an exhausting week over here in Washington State as we try to readjust to the new normal. Public masses have been cancelled, we are told about the merits of self-isolation, and things are pretty unsettled here.

And so, for today, I would like to share this stark picture of the Crucifixion of Jesus.

It is a picture of Jesus alone on the cross.

While many pictures of the Crucifixion cram in as many details as possible (such as this one) or perhaps include several saints at the foot of the cross (for example, this one), or even with a picture of the crucifixion with a city in the background (like this one), this is just a picture of Jesus Christ.

Alone on the cross.

Above his head are the words that Pontius Pilate wrote in three different languages (Hebrew, Greek, and Latin) — and there’s a Latin typo too, if you look hard enough!

His side has already been pierced, which means that He has already died, and He looks as if He is in peace.

The background is black, though you can see some shadow at the foot of the cross, where it appears that light is coming at an odd angle, which further seems to isolate Him. Instead of being depicted outside, it is almost as if He is entrapped inside in utter blackness.

Which seems a fitting sort of picture to gaze at currently.

May Christ continue to be a light for us who are in darkness!