Peanut Gallery: I’ve been watching the Easter Vigil at the Basilica in Washington, DC. I’ve been there many times with Prolife Christians at the annual March for Life in Washington. But tonight I was struck by the colossal icon by Polish artist John de Rosen – “Christ in Majesty.” That’s how I found this blog. I realize that it moves us ahead in the Easter story to the Ascension… but still, it’s something to think about.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009
Angry Jesus

Angry Jesus is a powerful image. The minute I see his face, I start hearing the “Kyrie” from Mozart’s Requiem in my head. He’s not the kind and gentle Jesus of the Gospel that everyone wants as a best friend. He’s been to hell and back and he’s way past all that. He has been wounded and tortured but now even the deep jab to his heart from a Roman lance is no more than a scratch. This Christ isn’t here to pray fervently in the desert or smile at us. This Christ is done. With his open arms he seem to ask either, “What the hell are you people doing?” or, “Well? Are you ready to open your arms, or aren’t you? Have you stepped up and lived up to the goodness within you, or do I have to smack you upside the head?” I love Angry Jesus.

Last weekend I went to Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America and one of the ten largest churches in the world.

People either love the Shrine or they’re repelled by it. I’m one of the former. I used to go there a lot during high school. The vastness of the interior and the beauty, to my mind, of the art work had the power to lift my spirit and give me a sense of calm and focus. Continue reading “Angry Jesus…” →