Philadelphia Archdiocese Erects Homeless Jesus Statue

[OraLabora]

Jesus certainly had a home, Mark 2:1 says so explicitly. But Jesus also said “What you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me”.
I don’t think the statute is intended to represent a “new catholic version” of Jesus. I think it is intended to remind of that quote. I like it, I like it a lot.

Yes and Matthew 25 sends a similar message. I think the point of the statue is that Jesus, in those Bible quotes, reminds us that He is in complete solidarity with the homeless and other people who have fallen by the wayside of society. When we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, we are in fact doing it to Him as He is in complete communion with them.

It’s also the basis for Benedictine hospitality where St. Benedict in his Rule tells monks that they are to greet strangers “as if Christ Himself were calling”.

Jesus took on all our burdens with His sacrifice, and that includes homelessness.

 

[unafraid]

Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

~ Luke 9:58

This passage from the Gospel of Luke speaks to the heart of this sculpture. The fatigue of being a refugee, or a person without a home for any reason , must be cumulative and crushing. Even the human spirit must take a pounding from the grind of it.

In my view, lacking empathy for such as these is incompatible with being a true disciple of Jesus Christ. This work of art preaches the gospel message very efficaciously. Christ is esteemed highly by its underlying theme. Great use of God-given creativity. Bravo!