Bloch Talk

On Wednesday after class I went to see Bloch's painting of Christ at Bethesda. It was huge, and it made it so much easier to notice the little details that I didn't see in class. With all the shadows, some things that were hidden before came into view, like the man in the bottom left corner. I think this is who I am like the most right now. Most of the people in the painting aren't paying attention, there are only like three people actually looking at Christ. The man in the corner is one of them. He's not sick and waiting to be healed, it looks like he was just going about his business and scrubbing the floor or something. But then he notices Christ, and his attention is immediately fixed on Him. And I think that's kind of where I am right now. I'm not the sick waiting to be healed or the people ignoring Him, but I respect Christ and look up to Him. I know I'm not as close to Him as I could or should be, but I'm working on it. And that's what I think that man is doing. Also, it was much easier to see the themes of light and dark in person. Christ is so bright in this picture, and it's like he's lifting the sick man's veil and bringing him into the light. In class we talked about the man with the red hat as well. He seems to be a central focus of this painting, but he's not a main character. Some people said that he looked disgusted or mad, but I don't agree with that. I think looks so weak and is craving what the other man is getting, but doesn't know how to receive Christ himself. With our theme of disciple-scholarship, this painting obviously teaches more about the disciple side. It shows what can happen with humility and faith, and how Christ will bless you and heal you of all your sins and pains. Overall I think the painting is wonderful and love what it says about Christ.