Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2(NRSV)
From time to time I realize that Jesus is getting a little dusty, I feel guilty, and I clean him up. Several years ago I chatted with Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz who was being recognized for a life-sized work called Homeless Jesus. There is a figure under a blanket on a bench with only the feet protruding. There are wounds, the marks of nails, in each of the feet, reminders of Jesus' crucifixion. We are invited to ponder the Christ who identifies with "the least of these" through his own suffering love. There are now a number of copies of Homeless Jesus in cities around the world and they certainly evoke discussion. Timothy kindly sent me a model of the sculpture which is roughly ten inches or 25 centimetres in length.
Schmalz is back in the news for another work called Angels Unawares which was unveiled this week on the day for World Day for Migrants and Refugees.by Pope Francis in Vatican Square. It depicts 140 people of different backgrounds and the name comes from a passage in Hebrews about God's hospitality and ours. Pope Francis has been outspoken about the importance of welcoming those on the margins into our midst.
Schmalz was present for the unveiling and said that while he and Francis did not speak the same language, the pope still gave him a message. “He looked at me and he put his hands on his heart, and that was more than an artist could possibly hope for.”
I'm impressed by Timothy Schmalz's compassionate Christian faith and his ability to express it in his art. I hope that this work stands as a reminder to nations around the world about the importance of welcoming the stranger.
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