We have had an amazing week after the Easter services last weekend at St. John's church.  My husband and I attend the 7:00 mass and it we had an especially moving experience to be with parishioners as they saw the sculpture for the first time.  I was especially taken as the light came through the stained-glass window and put on quite a show of colors, backlighting the figure.  I had originally wanted to include color into the patina, in an effort to combine the existing elements of the stained-glass of the church, and didn't quite know how to achieve the affect, without it becoming too distracting.  Only God could have put light to color and have achieved this beautiful display.  The colors changed as the sun came up and reflected on Jesus's form, changing moment to moment.  I know it won't be like that all year, but if you happen to make it over to the church, at that early hour, on a sunny morning, sit on the right side and watch what happens.  It's very beautiful and inspirational.

     There hasn't been a time set for a formal dedication, but I'll update as I have news.  

     It was my intention to have the expression of Jesus be imbued with the senses of compassion, love, and forgiveness.  I know most of the depictions of him are more literal, with his face showing him having had passed.  I hoped to bring to mind the moments just before the veil was torn and his spirit took flight.  I imagined his last gaze would reflect his life and teachings on earth.  I also hope his expression will remind everyone that the greatest thing we can do to honor him is to practice the same senses of compassion, love, and forgiveness.  He is the symbol of goodness and as we move through our daily lives, we can take his goodness and put it into action.  And in that regard, we are always together.