Earlier this year I became familiar with a 17th century painting by the Dutch artist Rembrandt titled The Head of Christ (1648). Rembrandt was born into a Protestant environment that a century early had swept out of churches portrayals of Jesus. The artist abandoned these views as well as traditional sources of inspiration as he created this painting of Christ. Because Rembrandt lived and worked in Jodenbreestraat, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, some scholars argue that the artist used a young Sephardic Jew as his model for this artwork. They conclude that Rembrandt was looking for a realistic source for his work.
This beautiful depiction of Our Lord has struck a personal chord in my spiritual life and I’ve used it as an aid in my prayer life. I love gazing at Jesus’ tender face and feel the warm acceptance and gentle kindness of my Redeemer. I ask myself if His sad gaze is due to the impending suffering He will endure for our salvation? Or is His sadness due to mankind’s sins that He will carry with Him to the cross? Sometimes, I ponder on the emotional and physical effects of His passion and death on the gentle countenance of the young man in the painting. As you can see, I can go on and on with many small meditations, but all my thoughts lead me to a greater love of Jesus.
I understand that Rembrandt was a difficult person and had few friends. Hopefully, he found a friend in Jesus and experienced Divine Mercy at his death. I leave you with this beautiful prayer to the Holy Face of Jesus.
Holy Face of Jesus, Be my joy.
Holy Face of Jesus, Be my strength.
Holy Face of Jesus, Be my health.
Holy Face of Jesus, Be my courage.
Holy Face of Jesus, Be my wisdom.
Holy Face of Jesus, Image of the Father, Provide for me.
Holy Face of Jesus, Mirror of Thy Priestly Heart, Be my zeal.
Holy Face of Jesus, Gift of the Spirit, Show me Thy love.
Holy Face of Jesus, saddened by sorrow, Grant my requests through Thy merits.
Amen.