Pray the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary with baroque art.
I: Ave Christus Rex. How often do we kneel before our king, but yet in our heart, we crown him with thorns?
II: We know that actions speak louder than words. How often do our actions contradict what we claim to believe?
III: When Christ spoke of the hypocrites, he spoke not only of the scribes and the pharisees. He speaks also to us, in our own moments of hypocrisy.
IV: Is Christ truly the King of our lives? Or have we instead placed crowns on the heads of false idols, leaving Christ with a mocking crown of thorns?
V: As Pilate announces, “Behold, the man.” we are reminded every Holy Week, that we are the ones shouting, “Crucify Him!”
VI: It’s easy to see ourselves as innocent spectators, but the jester looks at us directly, reminding us that we are indeed active partakers in the abuse.
VII: In front of us on the ground lies a club. The jester invites you to pick it up. To play your part. When did you last strike our Lord?
VIII: Gaze upon the face of Christ. Even with the power to smite us all down, he looks at us with resignation. He submits to the price of your salvation.
IX: As the soldiers drive sticks into His skull, our Lord bears on his head not just the weight of our human brokenness, but furthermore, our active betrayals against our consciences, our mortal sins against God.
X: This painting reminds us that no matter the throne He sits on, and no matter the crown you place on His head, Christ still reigns, Christ still loves, and Christ still died for your sins.
