Midweek Devotion 14 May 2025

Reading

Romans 16:7

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

Devotion

Today's work of art, a watercolor and ink rendering of Junia whose feast day it is tomorrow (along with Andronicus, both only mentioned in the verse in Romans above), was created by modern artist Sarah Beth Baca.  More about this artist from Texas may be found here:  Sarah Beth Art.   

There is much to like about this work.  I love the hair.  It is flowing while partially concealed in a headscarf.   The saint's halo contains words from the verse about Junia being, "Prominent among the apostles."  In the background is a Roman arch of some sort.  Her face conveys power with classical Mediterranean Jewish features.   However, what I find most striking about this work is that it only shows half the face.  She is mentioned only once in the Bible. Though early Christian writers such as Origen and John Chrysostom talk about her in their commentaries, we don't really know anything about her beyond that she was a Jewish follower of the Way, even before Paul, and outstanding among the apostles.  To be outstanding among the apostles and unknown otherwise, how magnificent is that?!!!

I think the half-portrait is fitting not only for Junia, but perhaps for our own self-portraits.  We sometimes long for fame or fortune and glory.  Perhaps the truly holy part of our selves is not found in fame or fortune or glory.  Perhaps it is not found in our social media posts.  Perhaps it is found in the countless acts of faithfulness and loving-kindness that are perhaps only known to a few.  Though one may not be the Pope or a bishop or even a prolific writer like Paul, the Spirit's presence in one's life is all that is needed to be counted "prominent among the apostles."  I pray that be your experience this week, dear reader!

Prayer 

Almighty God, whose Son, the risen Christ, sent forth your apostles Andronicus and Junia to proclaim the Gospel and extend your reign: send us forth in your Holy Spirit, that women and men may minister as one in faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit in perfect unity, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Lesser Feasts and Fasts)