It wrecked me.
Something that’s been on my heart for awhile, something that I finally had to release into the world…
It started with a homily. One line hit me really deep. I can’t remember which Sunday it was, when it was, or even what the readings were.
But this line struck my heart: “The Father wept.”
Our priest, Fr. John, was speaking of the crucifixion when Jesus cries out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He explained that Jesus was experiencing a very human emotion - that of abandonment. The truth that Jesus felt abandoned, but was absolutely not forgotten; the truth that God was there, present and grieving in that moment hit me hard.
Since then, an image has been seared in my head. It’s an image that closely resembles the famous statue carved in stone by Michelangelo - The Pietà.
But in this image in my mind, it’s God the Father, head bent, weeping over his dead son. It’s God the Father, arms wrapped around the the lifeless body of Jesus, head hung in grief. It’s the Father who is crying out in total heartbreak, the weight of sorrow too much to bear.
I tried to capture these thoughts while they were fresh - and am only now, months later, attempting to create this image. I am sharing with you the process - the rough, creative phase in all it’s unfinished glory… the phase that is often hidden.
But I wanted to share it with you. This has felt really important. I’m not sure why. But it feels bigger than me. As far as I’ve looked (which isn’t far), this image does not exist.
Here is the little poem I wrote:
The Father Wept.
He experienced all the pain,
betrayal, beatings, humiliation, powerlessness
that the son did.
He was there too.
His heart broke too.
He wept.
He died.
His heart was wrenched open.
He didn’t just watch.
He didn’t look on, focusing on the “greater good”
He experienced soul-crushing grief.
He wept an ocean of tears.
His heart was strung on that cross.
His heart died on that cross.
Never was there such grief.
The scripture that I cling to during particularly difficult times is Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” I need this, because God isn’t just watching my suffering, he is down in the muck and mud with me. He is ALSO the one who is suffering. I usually picture Jesus with me in those moments. But the truth is, isn’t it also the Father? The Father is ALSO the one who is suffering. He is close to the brokenhearted. He IS brokenhearted.
I am trying to figure out how best to capture this image. I want it to communicate the heartache and grief of a father who lost his son. I also want it to communicate deep love and tenderness. Because I believe that is often missed when we think of God the Father.
My sketches are below. If one particularly resonates with you or feels like it communicates these truths better than the others, could you please comment or email me to let me know your thoughts?
Can I ask which sketch speaks most to your heart?
Thank you to all who continue to follow and support my art. Could you please pray for me and my family this Holy Week? I will be praying for all of you.
Last but not least, I am really excited to announce that I have a new print in my shop - ready for Preorders! This is the first of more to come. I will give you a sneak peek in my next newsletter!
Use Code PATRONLENT2025 for 20% off all my Lenten artwork, including this new print “The Lost Sheep.”
May you have a blessed Holy Week!
Sincerely,
Kristina
I think 2 and 3 seem to be more of a father's touch
number one or four. these are all so beautiful!!