Reading
Luke 2:15-19
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Devotion
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| Public Domain Picture |
This week's work is the "Adoration of the Shepherds" by El Greco. Completed in 1614 this piece currently resides in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. Doménikos Theotokópoulos, also known as El Greco, 'the Greek', born on Crete, was one of the premier artists of the Italian and Spanish Renaissance. The painting, believed to be the last of his works, was originally intended to grace his own tomb.
I love the play of light seeming to radiate out from the Christ child and create a flow of movement. Notice how your eye travels when you look at the painting. The elongated figures seem to contribute to the rhythmic energy of the painting as one can imagine them moving. There is an aura of fervent devotion present. It is easy for me to get the sense of wonder and amazement!
From a spiritual standpoint, however, wonder and amazement are but the beginning of a process. Too often wonder and amazement simply stop there and there is no internalization of the message that leads to deep spiritual growth. Look at the figure of Mary, however. See how her expression differs from those of the other figures. She is one who is 'pondering things in her heart.' There is deep work going on in her. Where, in this season of beholding, dear reader, are you moving beyond amazement into understanding? What is the next step in your own spiritual growth? What amazes you? What must you then come to understand? Take a moment to pray this painting this week and see what the Spirit may reveal!
Prayer
Lord, help me to ponder like Mary, all that is good, true and beautiful, but also all that is hard, challenging and frustrating. Let me accept the reality of what is now without the answer or solution I believe I need. Help me ponder and release all into your hands, knowing you give all that we need, in the manner we need it, in your perfect timing. May I be a gentle light for you, hand in hand with Mary. Amen. (Prayer by Suellen Brewster)