King of Friday.

I have seen many depictions of the King of Friday but I particularly like this painting in its portrayal of the suffering Messiah. There are two tendencies in portraying the Passion; firstly to sanitize the reality of the Passion, or secondly, to sensationalize the reality of the Passion; this painting does neither but rather depicts the raw reality of the Passion. What firstly strikes me about this painting is that the cross cuts the painting into two clear divisions. Two thirds light, one third darkness. The darkness can never overcome the light. As the Messiah moves across the canvas, the darkness can only fall behind. The cross also marks the boundary between light and darkness. Wood is warm and living and captivates the carpenter with its gentle fragrance. This master carpenter holds the rough wood tenderly. Those hands that had handled many pieces of wood; making doors, gates and other domestic and agricultural items; would take hold of just one more piece of wood in Jerusalem. If we allow the master to hold us in His hands we will become something far greater than we could have ever have realised. The hands of that carpenter are our surety, for this carpenter does all things well. The closed eyes and bowed head speak of deep pain and concentration. Resolution and determination are the defining features of this man of suffering. What awaited the King of Love, the King of Mercy, and the King of Friday? Self torture and self execution! Each time I pass by a crucifix or a depiction of the way of sorrows, I thank God that He sent His beloved Son to shed His precious blood and die on the Cross of Calvary for a sinner such as myself and for all sinners, RC