Scriptural Stations of the Cross
Images of sculptures created by Lynn Kiefer
These sculptures are located at Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey, Carlton, Oregon
Artist's Statement:
My commitment to religious art began on a December evening with a vow made on a commercial airline, just before it crashed. I did not know who God was at the time, but he heard my prayer anyway. As a result of this vow, I have been doing religious art for over 30 years. I want to tell God’s story by merging sculptural images with words of Scripture. I want my sculpture to communicate that God didn’t send his Son into the world to condemn its people, but to save them. The fourth and eleventh Stations of the Cross say this clearly in face to face encounters with Jesus. The Fourth Station of the Cross shows Peter weeping as he realizes that he has denied even knowing Jesus three times. Peter is devastated by his failure and openly shows it. Jesus does not condemn him, but looks at him with compassion.
The Eleventh Station of the Cross is about the “Good Thief’ who has been condemned to die on the cross next to Jesus. He turns to Jesus and asks him to remember him when He comes into His kingdom. Jesus does not dismiss or eject the “good thief.” Instead he says to him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” The sad, unspoken message is that the thief crucified on the other side of Jesus is blinded by pride and misses his salvation. Even as he is dying he rejects and ridicules Jesus.
These two stations speak the message of God’s mercy most clearly to me because Jesus shows compassion and love to two people who have failed. Both are very aware of their need for a Savior, and Jesus is there with them in their darkest hours. He will never condemn anyone who calls on him sincerely. He will rescue them and give them new life now and forever. He will set them free from the grip of sin and death. He will be with them always. That’s what I want to say through my art.
Lynne Kiefer Kobylecky
Ms. Kobylecky gave her permission to Springwood Church for the use of the images of her original sculptures.