This semester, the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art is hosting its second exhibition celebrating the museum’s 15-year anniversary, an exhibit drawing from the oft-reoccurring theme of Christ’s death and passion in contemporary art. Museum director, the Rev. Terry Dempsey, has meticulously selected works by 31 previously exhibited artists to explore the multi-faceted subject of “Good Friday,” the religious holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Christ.

The show is centered on the day of Christ’s crucifixion. It reveals how this one source of inspiration manifests itself in the works of many different artists. Some of the works provide insight into the psyche of the artist, while others serve as catalysts for social change or as instruments of emotional expression.

Through various media and artistic styles, MOCRA is endeavoring to portray an array of universal themes. The exhibited paintings, sculptures and photographs evoke feelings of suffering, longing, despair, hope, generosity and, ultimately, love.

Upon entering the gallery space, one is immediately met by a large, ominous skull. Morpheus 1 by Jim Morphesis references Golgotha, the biblical Place of the Skull, where Christ was crucified. While it does point to the literal place of Christ’s death, it also casts a sinister shadow on the show and forces the viewer to expect the unexpected.

The small gallery rooms that line the space each hold small thematic exhibitions that expound upon the greater theme of Good Friday. One gallery displays the literal instrument of Jesus’ death, the cross. Craig Antrim painted 64 canvases with crosses that vary in color, pattern and technique. According to the artist, this simple icon represents the intersection of spirit and matter. The dichotomous relationship between the two is best understood by the many different representations of the same image.

One of the most powerful pieces in the exhibit is Juan Gonzalez’s Don’t Mourn, Consecrate. This monumental work lays Hans Holbein’s image of Christ in his tomb at the bottom of the composition, his pallor the same color as the gray sky of the background. Above is a rose wreath that resembles a crown of thorns. Red block letters spell out the work’s namesake. Next to it hangs the annual statistics of global AIDS fatalities. This piece utilizes the imagery of Christ’s death to spark discussion about the devastating and widespread effects of AIDS.

The show appeals to a wide audience. It exhibits artists of all different ethnicities and religions and hopes for the same diverse mix of peoples in its viewers. The works of art speak on a spiritual and emotional level, as well as a religious one.

As one of the exhibiting artists said, “Some images transcend tradition and speak to us all.”

“Good Friday” is thought -provoking, powerful and goes beyond the expected. It will make one contemplate one’s own spirituality and incite welcome introspection during this Lenten season.

“Good Friday” runs from Feb. 15 to April 16. MOCRA is located at 3700 West Pine Mall Blvd.