This artist was born Domenikos Theotokopoulosin in Heraklion, Greece, in 1541. It is easy to understand how he became El Greco, “the Greek”, in his adopted country of Spain. El Greco did many paintings as commissions for churches. The Savior was commissioned by the church in Almadrones and now hangs in the Prado in Madrid. He paints in the Byzantine style with elongated physical features for his every subject.

This close-up of Jesus with his left hand on a globe is a powerful reminder of the life and love sent into the world by God. The image is simple. The light and shadow of the chiaroscuro technique and the unique halo bring holiness into this frame and the haunting eyes of Jesus bring a poignant weight and sadness into this face.

These are eyes we each may have seen in presence or in passing. Where have you seen these eyes – in the beautiful face of a struggling person on a street corner, at a shelter, on the border, in a holding cell? Where have you seen these eyes – at a protest, at a food bank, in a hospital waiting room? How often have you seen these when you roll down your window and reach across the pointless, wrongful space between you and your sister or brother standing outside of your comfortable car in desperate need?

Maybe our goal as Christians should be to seek these eyes, lock our hearts on them, and offer any kind of help and hope we can. And if we choose not to, how will the sins of the world be taken away without us?

In faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty

Minister of Children and Families

Montview Church