“Veronica” –  by Jim Burklo – found objects and metal scrap – 2020

( Of the traditional Catholic “Stations of the Cross”, #6, which is for “Veronica”, means “true image”.  At this “station”, not in the gospel account but a myth added in medieval times, a woman named Veronica wipes Jesus’ face with a cloth as he passes by on his way to crucifixion. The cloth then became a holy relic, with his image imprinted on it in blood. I interpret the station mystically, indicating that when we act compassionately, our faces are the “true image” of the Christ.  Hence the mirror at the center.)

(What forms do your communion elements take during this time of Shelter In Place?  See mine, below this entry… from Palm Sunday.  Mt Hollywood Church is urging people to take pix of their home-made communion elements – whether wine and bread, milk and cookies, juice and cereal – and posting them on social media with these hashtags: #SIPcommunion  and  #mounthollywooducc  )
 

Passion Week 2020 Words of Institution of the Eucharist
(… which I used to introduce communion at Mt Hollywood Church in LA on Palm Sunday)
“This is my body…”

This is the body of Christ.

This body knows what it is like to long for a hug, but not be able to get one when it needs it the most.

This body knows how to feel a hug through a window or a screen.

This body knows what it is like to be afraid.

This body knows what it is like to be loved out of its fear.

This body knows what it is like to be hungry, but not able to go to the store to get food.

This body knows the sadness of having enough food but feeling the hunger of others.

This body feels helpless in the face of injustice.

This body is energized for activism to change the unjust structures of society.

This body knows what it is like to lose its job when it needs it the most.

This body knows what it is like to work in a hospital without enough protection.

This body knows what it is like to be alone in a hospital bed, unable to have visitors.

This body knows the joy of getting a phone call from – anybody.

This body knows what it is like to wake up in the middle of the night, worrying.

This body knows what it is like to fall back asleep and dream sweetly, oblivious to the cares of the world.

This body knows life in all its sorrow and pleasure, fulness and emptiness, eagerness and trepidation.

This is your body.

This is the body of Christ.

Take, and eat….

See VIDEO of my “CORONA OF THORNS” Easter Message

 

Rev. Jim Burklo, Associate Dean of Religious Life, USC
Website: MINDFULCHRISTIANITY.ORG  Follow me on twitter: @jtburklo
See the GUIDE to my articles and books
Associate Dean of Religious Life, University of Southern California