Dear Friends,
I am blessed hearing the wisdom of many individuals who share the word of our Lord.
My soul is blessed with the wisdom and inspiration of my dear friend, Dr. Sr. Barabara Moore. The word of God comes alive in my spirit with my classmate, Rev. Alexander Santora, who always is raising consciousness of how we are to identify with our brother Jesus Christ.
And, of recent, always inspired by Pope Francis, I am gifted to hear the words that lead us as faithful disciples with our brother, Pope Leo.
Recently, Deacon Eric Bessette, shared words that resonated in my heart and soul. Eric spoke about revelations that come before us and focusing on the Gospel question, ‘Who do you say that I am?”
Our beloved Deacon said this may be the most important question we may ever answer. Did you walk away from mass, or streaming, contemplating the questions Eric raised? I did.
Eric showed an image of who Christ was (is) for him. I love that embrace. I have felt that embrace from our Lord. I went forward in reflecting on Eric’s thoughts.
My life has been one who has viewed many images of our Lord that I bring into the depths of my heart and soul. When Eric said, “who do you say I am?”,
I went from the image Eric shared to so many I identify with. I went to school studying art and I appreciate what has been before my eyes.
Who do I say He is?
Jesus is the beautiful promise of the Son of God.
I was gifted to see, in the Hermitage Museum in Leningrad, the Benois Madonna. Such tenderness between a mother and child. It was painted by Leonardo DaVinci in 1478. Who would have thought I would have an opportunity see this treasure? Did you read the book the “Madonna’s of Leningrad”? If not, if you are a reader, it is worth pursuing. I read it in awe of its beauty.
Another image of our Lord is Salvatore Dali’s Last Supper that is in the Smithsonian Museum, I have seen it and love how the Lord incorporates all in the setting of the Eucharist. Looking at the background of the setting, it is Cadques, Spain. Little did I know when I was outside Salvador Dalis’s home, back in 1975, I would recognize this background scene in his great piece of art.
When on another trip to Paris, I was blessed to see a painting by Michelangelo in a small gallery.
It depicts the story of two grieving friends, unknowing who is walking with them on the Road To Emmaus. Michaelangelo captured his vision. I have a copy hanging in SCS.
I find such peace in it this piece of art.
I was blessed to also see the original painting from Caravaggio depicting the Betrayal of Jesus by Judas. Carravaggio is unbelievable. This painting, depicting the betrayal, has armor shining in the foreground. Caravaggio’s intent was that you and I, when looking at the armor of the soldier, may see our own betrayal of the Lord. I have a framed print of it and pray and reflect about what this great artist shared.
Who do you say I am?
Art treasures have helped me to contemplate and pray on that question. I think of so many images of Jesus that make me reflect on who do I say He is. The Lamb of God, the Good Shepherd, the One who meets the Samaritan Woman at the Well and provides living water, the one who profoundly says ‘I do not condemn you’, the Good Samaritan on the right side of the road, the one who cried with his best friends at the death of their brother, the one who said do not doubt, touch me, the one who said, eat, drink, do this in memory of me and we will share life eternal.
OM Gosh! Who do I say He is? I cannot stop describing the One who is to me in so many movements of my life. I am so blessed!
What is your description of Him?
With faith and blessings,
Fr. Rob