Not just words.

05/22/2025

Los an-os entrelazados a la vida, bajo el brillar optimista de la misma, van acompan-ados por grupos de variados recuerdos, destellos y reflejos de tiempos delirantes de lujuria y obsesiva vanidad.
Recuerdos que estimulan a la busqueda de un sentir nuevo, de sabiduria, de logica nueva que edifique el constante fluir de la vida con la fe y el valor, estandartes que impiden resignarse a observar el desfile de esperanzas e ilusiones,
caravanas de perturbaciones e incoherencias, ir a formar parte de mitos y leyendas en el historial del realmo y valorando la experiencia de temidas tormentas y la calma posterior, imaginaria y carente de desasosiego que enerva a la sensibilidad humana sean impresos como testimonio limite y equililibrio en el sorteo de la amargura y la alegria, constancia de que ni la ignorancia, ni el dolor, ni la pena, ni la ignominia del engan-o obligan a negarse a ser parte del amor como fortaleza de la vida.

ABRH

05/05/2025

Christ at the Sea of Galilee,
Painted by the Circle of Jacopo Tintoretto (1519 - 1594),
Circa 1570’s
Oil on canvas
© National Gallery of Art, Washington

Jesus stood on the shore and instructed the disciples

John 21:1-14

Scroll down to read the Gospel & Art Reflection or click this link to read on the Christian.art website

🔗 https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-21-1-14-2025-2/

At that time: Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’ They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, do you have any fish?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred metres off.

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.’ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ Now none of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Reflection on the painting

In this canvas, painted by the circle of Jacopo Tintoretto, we see the Risen Christ illuminated from behind by the soft glow of the rising sun, standing on the shore of Lake Galilee. He is shown communicating with the disciples, who are depicted in their boat, casting their nets upon the water. As today’s Gospel recounts, they had been fishing all night but caught nothing, until Christ, from the shore, instructed them to cast their nets to the right side of the boat, where they would find abundance. Recognising the Lord, Peter, in his characteristic zeal, leaps into the water to reach Him. From the left side of the painting, daylight begins to break, gently brightening the waves and sky, a visual reminder of the new dawn brought by the Resurrection.

The fact that the disciples returned to fishing after the Resurrection reveals much about their state of mind. Though called away from their nets years before, in the confusion and uncertainty following Christ’s death, they instinctively reverted to what was familiar: the life they had left behind. They were looking backwards, retreating into the comfort of the past. But Jesus, in today’s Gospel, gently calls them to do the opposite: to lift their eyes from the old ways and look forward, to embrace the new future shaped by His Resurrection. The Lord doesn’t rebuke them; instead, He redirects them with love and simplicity.

How does the Risen Christ guide them forward? Not with grand speeches or commands, but with a humble invitation: “Come and have breakfast.” He meets them in the ordinary, sharing food, an intimate act of communion and reassurance. In these days after Easter, we too are invited to listen for Christ’s gentle call, to cast our nets in new directions, and to look ahead with hope. The Resurrection is not a return to what was, but a call to embrace the mission that lies before us.

04/19/2025

Prayer Bead with the Crucifixion and Jesus before Pilate,
Netherlandish, early 16th century
Boxwood
© Metropolitan Museum, New York

Good Friday: The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ

John 18:1-19:42

Scroll down to read the Gospel & Art Reflection or click this link to read on the Christian.art website

🔗 LINK

Key: N. Narrator. ✠ Christ. S. Speaker or speakers other than Christ.

N. At that time: Jesus went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them,

✠ Whom do you seek?

N. They answered him,

S. Jesus of Nazareth.

N. Jesus said to them,

✠ I am he.

N. Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, ‘I am he’, they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again,

✠ Whom do you seek?

N. And they said,

S. Jesus of Nazareth.

N. Jesus answered,

✠ I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.

N. This was to fulfil the word that he had spoken: ‘Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.’ Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter,

✠ Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?

N. So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter,

S. You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?

N. He said,

S. I am not.

N. Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him,

✠ I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.

N. When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying,

S. Is that how you answer the high priest?

N. Jesus answered him,

✠ If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?

N. Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him,

S. You also are not one of his disciples, are you?

N. He denied it and said,

S. I am not.

N. One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked,

S. Did I not see you in the garden with him?

N. Peter again denied it, and at once a c**k crowed.

Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said,

S. What accusation do you bring against this man?

N. They answered him,

S. If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.

N. Pilate said to them,

S. Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.

N. The Jews said to him,

S. It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.

N. This was to fulfil the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him,

S. Are you the King of the Jews?

N. Jesus answered,

✠ Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?

N. Pilate answered,

S. Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you up to me. What have you done?

N. Jesus answered,

✠ My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.

N. Then Pilate said to him,

S. So you are a king?

N. Jesus answered,

✠ You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world — to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.

N. Pilate said to him,

S. What is truth?

N. After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them,

S. I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?

N. They cried out again,

S. Not this man, but Barabbas!

N. Now Barabbas was a robber.

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying,

S. Hail, King of the Jews!

N. and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them,

S. See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.

N. So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them,

S. Behold the man!

N. When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out,

S. Crucify him, crucify him!

N. Pilate said to them,

S. Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.

N. The Jews answered him,

S. We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.

N. When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus,

S. Where are you from?

N. But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him,

S. You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?

N. Jesus answered him,

✠ You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.

N. From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out,

S. If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.

N. So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgement seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews,

S. Behold your King!

N. They cried out,

S. Away with him, away with him, crucify him!

N. Pilate said to them,

S. Shall I crucify your King?

N. The chief priests answered,

S. We have no king but Caesar.

N. So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate,

S. Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’, but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’

N. Pilate answered,

S. What I have written I have written.

N. When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another,

S. Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.

N. This was to fulfil the Scripture which says, ‘They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.’ So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother,

✠ Woman, behold, your son!

N. Then he said to the disciple,

✠ Behold, your mother!

N. And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the Scripture),

✠ I thirst.

N. A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said,

✠ It is finished,

N. and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

All kneel for a period of silence.

N. Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness — his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth — that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: ‘Not one of his bones will be broken.’ And again another Scripture says, ‘They will look on him whom they have pierced.’

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about thirty-five kilograms in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

Reflection on the Prayer Bead

Today is the day in the year when we gather in significant numbers at 3.00 pm in church. We do so at this particular hour to remember Jesus, who, according to the Gospel of Mark, was crucified at the ninth hour, that is, around 3.00 pm. Crucifixion was an especially brutal and humiliating form of ex*****on used by the Romans. Most of us would struggle to watch such a death unfold. It is therefore not hard to understand why Jesus’ followers fled the scene. It is natural for us to recoil from such suffering; we tend to turn our eyes away. Yet today, we are minot just invited to look at Jesus brutal sufferings, we have to look.

The Passion story we’ve just heard from the Gospel of John doesn’t initially sound like good news. The wrongful condemnation and cruel death of a man who lived in close relationship with God and gave his life in service of others is profoundly disturbing. It reveals the darker side of humanity. Many of the figures in the account do not come out well: Judas, who betrays Jesus in secret; Peter, the chief disciple, who denies him openly; the high priest who pushes for his ex*****on; and Pilate, who condemns a man he himself acknowledged was innocent. Yet the story also contains glimpses of human goodness: Jesus’ mother and the beloved disciple who stood by him to the end, when others fled; Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who ensured that, if Jesus could not have a peaceful death, he would at least receive a respectful burial. These moments are rays of light in the midst of darkness.

And standing above all these individuals is Jesus himself: the light that shines in the darkness. It is because of him that this grim narrative is, in truth, good news. It is because of him that the suffering and death we recall today have come to be known as Good Friday. The Passion of Jesus is good news because it speaks of more than just the sorrowful death of an innocent man. It is above all in the hour of his suffering and death that the love and life of God are made most visible.

Our intricately carved prayer bead was almost certainly created to support prayer and reflection during Holy Week. It is a tool for prayer. In the lower section of the bead, Pontius Pilate is shown symbolically washing his hands, distancing himself from responsibility for Jesus’ fate. The upper section depicts the crucifixion itself. The artist has demonstrated remarkable skill. Look at the stream of water carved so delicately that it appears to flow freely, unattached to the background. In a clever and perhaps self-referential touch, a figure near the front is shown studying a text with the aid of a magnifying glass, perhaps encouraging the viewer to examine the scene closely. That is what we are all invited to do today: to examine and reflect closely upon the Passion of Christ.

04/18/2025

The Taking of Christ,
Painting by Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, 1571-1610),
Painted in 1602,
Oil on canvas
© National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin

Wednesday of Holy Week: Judas answered, ‘Not I, Rabbi?’

Matthew 26:14-25

Scroll down to read the Gospel & Art Reflection or click this link to read on the Christian.art website

🔗 https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-26-14-25-2025/

At that time: One of the Twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Where would you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?’ He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, “The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.” ’ And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And as they were eating, he said, ‘Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’ And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, ‘Not I, Lord?’ He answered, ‘He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.’ Judas, who would betray him, answered, ‘Not I, Rabbi?’ He said to him, ‘You have said so.’

Reflection on the painting

Our reading today confronts us with a deeply painful truth: Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ closest companions, plots to betray him. The wound inflicted on Christ did not come from a stranger, but from within his own inner circle... from someone who had walked with him, listened to him, and received so much from him.

The Gospel suggests that money may have played a part in Judas’ decision, but surely the reality runs deeper. Perhaps it was jealousy, disillusionment, ambition—we cannot fully know. But what we do know is that this act of betrayal came not from outside the circle of trust, but from the very heart of it. Judas’ story is not just about him though. It holds up a mirror to us all. Each time we fail to recognise Christ in others, each time we act with unkindness, indifference, or selfishness, we too participate in that betrayal. Lent invites us to ask: is there a Judas-like impulse in me? Where have I wounded the Body of Christ in my daily choices?

This theme is powerfully captured in Caravaggio’s almost cinematic painting of The Taking of Christ. The scene is dramatic and intimate. Seven figures are caught in a frozen moment of betrayal. From left to right, we see Saint John, Jesus, Judas Iscariot, three soldiers, and a man holding a lantern, believed to be a self-portrait of Caravaggio himself. Judas has just kissed Jesus, the prearranged signal for the arrest. Jesus pulls back—not in anger, but in heartbreak. His face reflects the pain of betrayal, not with rage, but with wounded love.

To the left, John flees in terror, his red cloak billowing as a soldier reaches to grab him; a striking contrast to the chilling calm of Judas and the cold efficiency of the arresting soldiers. Yet the most striking element is not any single figure, but the shining, metal-clad arm of the soldier at the centre of the painting. Its brightness draws the eye, almost unnaturally so. It is believed Caravaggio intended this armoured reflection to act as a mirror, not just of light, but of conscience... a mirror for us all. It is as if the artist is asking us: Can you see yourself here? Are you a bystander? The betrayer? The one who flees?

This image and this Gospel challenge us not simply to condemn Judas, but to examine our own hearts and to return once more to Christ with humility, repentance, and love.

04/13/2025

🌸 En 1943, una valiente mujer judía se encontraba en el umbral de su destino. Su nombre era Ottilie "Ottla" Kafka. A sus cuarenta y un años, había tomado una decisión que sellaría su destino: acompañar a un grupo de niños al campo de concentración de Auschwitz. Su vida estuvo marcada por la lucha, la independencia y el peso de un apellido inmortal. 🌸

Ottla Kafka nació el 29 de octubre de 1892 en Praga, en el seno de una familia judía de clase media. Era la menor de los cuatro hijos de Hermann y Julie Kafka. Mientras su hermano mayor, Franz, alcanzaría la fama como escritor, Ottla se destacó por su rebeldía y espíritu independiente. 🌸

Desde pequeña, Ottla desafió las expectativas familiares. Mientras sus hermanas, Valli y Elli, siguieron los caminos convencionales del matrimonio y la vida doméstica, ella se inclinó por el trabajo agrícola y la educación. Asistió a una escuela para mujeres y luego decidió formarse en agricultura, una elección inusual para una mujer de su tiempo. 🌸

No fue solo su vocación lo que la diferenciaba, sino su carácter. Ottla era audaz, desafiante y perspicaz. Su hermano Franz la consideraba su confidente y amiga más cercana. En sus cartas, le confiaba pensamientos que no compartía con nadie más. Para él, Ottla era una luz en su existencia sombría. 🌸

Durante los años 20, Ottla tomó el control de una finca en Zürau, un pequeño pueblo lejos del bullicio de Praga. Allí llevó una vida sencilla, rodeada de naturaleza y trabajo duro. Fue en Zürau donde Franz pasó una temporada recuperándose de la tuberculosis, escribiendo sus famosos Cuadernos de Zürau, en los que plasmó pensamientos filosóficos influenciados por su estancia allí. 🌸

En 1920, Ottla conoció a Josef David, un abogado cristiano con quien se casó en 1921, desafiando las tradiciones familiares. El matrimonio fue visto con desaprobación por su padre, quien nunca aceptó del todo su unión con un no judío. A pesar de ello, Ottla siguió su camino con firmeza. 🌸

La felicidad, sin embargo, fue efímera. Con el ascenso del n4zllsm0, la vida de los judíos en Checoslovaquia se volvió peligrosa. Ottla se divorció de Josef en 1942, quizás con la esperanza de protegerlo a él y a sus hijas de la persecución. Sin embargo, su destino ya estaba marcado. 🌸

Ese mismo año, fue deportada al gueto de Theresienstadt, donde, a pesar de las condiciones inhumanas, trabajó con fortaleza y dedicación, ayudando a otros prisioneros, especialmente a los niños. 🌸

En 1943, se ofreció voluntariamente para acompañar a un grupo de niños en un transporte a Auschwitz. Sabía lo que significaba, pero no dudó. Con una determinación silenciosa, subió al tren junto a los pequeños, compartiendo con ellos su último viaje. 🌸

El 7 de octubre de 1943, Ottla Kafka fue asesinada en la cámara de gas de Auschwitz. 🌸

Aunque la barbarie n4zll apagó su vida, su memoria sigue viva en las cartas que intercambió con Franz y en los recuerdos de quienes la conocieron. Ottla Kafka fue más que la hermana de un genio: fue una mujer de coraje inquebrantable, que eligió su propio destino hasta el final. 🌸

04/11/2025

04/08/2025

Rejoice in His Light,
Painting by Yongsung Kim (born 1973),
Painted in 2018,
Oil on canvas
© Yongsung Kim / Havenlight

I am the light of the world

John 8:12-20

Scroll down to read the Gospel & Art Reflection or click this link to read on the Christian.art website

🔗 https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-8-12-20-2025/

At that time: Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ So the Pharisees said to him, ‘You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.’ Jesus answered, ‘Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgement is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.’ They said to him therefore, ‘Where is your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.’ These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the Temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Reflection on the painting

At this time of year, the days are becoming noticeably longer, with more daylight pushing back the darkness. As the light increases, so does life. Many of us feel more energised and uplifted as the days grow longer, and nature, too, begins to awaken with the return of brighter days. In today’s Gospel, when Jesus speaks of the light of life, we can easily see the connection between light and life.

Jesus has just declared himself to be the light of the world. He brings God’s light into the world, revealing God’s presence and glory through his words, actions, and ultimately, through his death and resurrection. After revealing himself as the world’s true light, he makes a promise: those who follow him will never be lost in darkness but will have the light of life. In bringing God’s light into the world, he also brings God’s life, offering a light and a life beyond this world, transforming the lives of all who walk in His way.

Yongsung Kim’s painting Rejoice in His Light is a serene and uplifting depiction of Jesus, bathed in warm, radiant light, descending upon him from the heavens. His own face is also radiating light. The two light sources are intimately connected. The background is softly illuminated, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Jesus is flanked by a young lamb. Other sheep are grazing away in the fields. The sheep seem tranquil and happy to be in the Lord's presence. Yongsung Kim is a South Korean artist known for his deeply spiritual and emotive Christian artwork. His paintings often depict Jesus in moments of quiet compassion. Through soft brushwork and luminous colour palettes, Kim always seeks to inspire faith and joy, drawing people into a deeper reflection on God’s love and light.