The Story Behind These Controversial Paintings About the Eucharist
This is My Body available to purchase as a print here!
All of my artwork begins in prayer with the Holy Spirit, using gouache and graphite to deepen our understanding of Biblical story moments. Through these pieces, I present to the viewer images that highlight one of the most difficult and doubt-filled invitations of Jesus: to eat his body and drink his blood.
“My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink.” -John 6:55
Only about 31% of Catholics believe that at the mass, simple bread and wine is literally transformed into Jesus’ body and blood as opposed to being merely a symbol. Though it is staggering that two thirds of Catholics do not believe the most important belief in our faith, it is not so surprising when we read John 6:25-69.
Jesus tells his disciples that “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you” and after grumbling and arguing amongst themselves, “many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.”
In my piece titled “Will You Also Leave?” (gouache on paper, 11”x14”), Jesus turns to Simon with this hard teaching. In this moment, Jesus allows his disciples the freedom to leave over this truth of the Eucharist. He doesn’t alter it to make them feel more comfortable, but doubles down and allows them to leave him if they do not accept this. And so Simon, conflicted, must make a decision. In a triumphant moment that I’m sure is riddled with confusion, doubt, and mystery, Simon makes his choice: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”. In the face of his doubt, his answer is to have faith in Jesus.
What is yours?
My second piece titled “This is my Body” (gouache on paper 11”x14”) illustrates Jesus being scourged at the pillar while elevating a host - setting the tone for how his priests will elevate simple bread at every mass for the Holy Spirit to transubstantiate it into his body. A chalice tips over by his knees, mingling wine with his blood poured out onto the stones. This painting again faces the doubt in our hearts - is this really his body and blood? When we see the lengths Jesus went to give us his body and blood in the Eucharist, one must pause. While being scourged at the pillar by blood thirsty guards, Jesus only thinks of intimacy with you.
My hope is that these paintings challenge a place that we simply don’t want to look (Catholic or not). When Jesus said we must eat his flesh and drink his blood, what does that do for you? Are you filled with fear, disgust…longing?
My encouragement to all who see these pieces is not to ignore your doubts or try to find easy solutions, but to bring them to the One who has all the words of eternal life. He will illuminate your heart more than my art could ever hope to do.
Exciting Plans:
These paintings will be exhibited at Heartland Community Church’s exhibition “An Exploration of Doubt, Hope, and Faith” in Olathe, KS from March 26 - April 7, 2024
Then they will travel with the St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Route for the National Eucharistic pilgrimage from May 16 - July 17, 2024
Then This is My Body will finally find its new home with a wonderful married couple where it will be treasured for the rest of their lives.
Will You Also Leave? is available for purchase here.
