Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz unveiled his latest sculpture depicting Jesus as a homeless man in Detroit Sunday during a dedication ceremony at the Historic Trinity Lutheran Church.
Schmalz's sculpture, “Whatsoever You Do,” will be permanently displayed in front of the church located at 1345 Gratiot Ave, in downtown Detroit. According to Schmalz, the sculpture is a visual representation of the Gospel of Matthew 25:40, which depicts Jesus in the form of a homeless man. A crowd of about 60 people gathered in front of the church to see the unveiling and hear about its history.
The bronze sculpture depicts Jesus as a man in robe with his head bowed and his right arm stretched out.
That's what my motivation is for creating these gospel pieces," Schmalz said. "It was great to have a community that is in sync with those hardcore values. What I love about this sculpture is that it's here forever. Ideally it'll catch some people's eyes and they'll be encouraged to take a closer look. It's very exciting to be here. ...This is a visual translation of his words."
The sculpture isn't the first of Schmalz's work to be displayed in Detroit. Last June, another sculpture, 'Homeless Jesus,' was unveiled outside the city's oldest church building, Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit church, which fronts East Jefferson Avenue across from the Renaissance Center.
Other "Homeless Jesus" sculptures have been installed around the world, including one in Toronto; Dublin, Ireland; Chicago; Buffalo, N.Y.; Washington, D.C., and other cities. Pope Francis also blessed a miniature version of it, Schmalz said.
In other cities around the world where it has been installed, the sculpture has prompted some to make donations, to volunteer or to leave canned goods and clean clothes for homeless people. Schmalz's "Homeless Jesus" sculpture was previously rejected for display at two major Catholic cathedrals, but today it is displayed in the Vatican at the entrance to the Office of Papal Charities.
"What's happening to Detroit is what's happening to other major cities around the world like Toronto and Rome where some of the most hardcore ideas of the gospels are being permanently installed in front of historical places to be constant reminders that human life is sacred and that Christianity was the religion that brought the idea that we should be compassionate toward the least fortunate people among us," Schmalz said. " ... I don't think we can have enough reminders of that powerful message."
Historic Trinity Rev. Darryl Andrzejewski said Schmalz approached him several months ago, stating he wanted it to be a symbol of what the church and its congregation represents.
Andrzejewski said his church plans to have a plaque made that will be erected near the foot of the sculpture, explaining its meaning.
"We're hopeful it'll be a symbol to everyone," Andrzejewski said.
Historic Trinity church member Janice Erdt, 73 and of Woodhaven, said the sculpture is an inspiration for her since she does a lot of mission work in the local community.
"I grew up in Detroit and I love this place," Erdt said. "There are a lot people who want to bring the city back and do good work. It symbolizes what Christianity is all about."
