…so here are some things that inspired me this week:
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Have a beautiful Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church!
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| Jean II Restout |
Sunday, May 19, 2013
12 comments:
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I know there's a lot of symbolism to the picture above, so here is a stupid question...why is Mary standing on the altar? I'm assuming that's an altar?
ReplyDeleteBecky, it's the table in the Upper Room where they were locked away in fear, waiting, so yes, it was where the First Eucharist was confected (a table/altar). Mary was the first and perfect Christian, so it's fitting she is the prominent figure. But that is only my interpretation of the art. Someone else may know more! :)
DeleteThat's what I was thinking too. But then I see other disciples up there with her? Yet, it is interesting to see how the others are bowing to her and she is the only one standing upright.
DeleteSo interesting! The Church teaches a lot through art.
Yes, the Apostles are the bishops of the Church (the hierarchy, or Magisterium) so it's fitting that they be there in prominence at the birthday of the Church. But Mary is the Queen of all creatures (including even the angels). One of her titles is Queen of Apostles, so she is pre-eminent. Yes, the Church's art has taught so much through the ages, especially as most Christians throughout the 20 centuries were illiterate. Praise God for Christian art! Beauty is one of the most profound ways that we find God.
DeleteI have heard that stain glass windows were created mostly to teach those who were illiterate and unable to afford to go to school. We're talking a long time ago, of course.
DeleteExactly! Processions with banners and tapestries, passion plays, stained glass, all are and were ways to teach the faithful. So beautiful.
DeleteNot a stupid question, Becky. I was thinking she saw a mouse and jumped on the table. Silliness aside, it was probably because the apostles honored her and that's how the artist decided to show how honored Mary was. .
DeleteNotice how we experience God through all our senses.
Leila, what are busy doing?
Lena, two graduations (one college, one high school), a first Confession, all the regular end-of-school-year stuff for my other kids (and a lot of senior events), two kids back home from college for the summer (you don't want to see my house) and lots of wedding preparations! I had to step back a bit from the computer. :)
DeleteBTW, I just watched that video--what is love? It is exactly what I needed to watch this morning! I have been having trouble with "loving" my vocation as a mother and the trials that come with it--this video is a reminder of the missing ingredient--love!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting it--I posted it on FB with credit to your blog, since I found it here first.
Leila, I cannot tell you how timely this post is for me, and that it is probably my favorite of yours. I've been thinking about the commitment I would give to a husband and the commitment I would expect from a husband, and that wonderful Bill verbalized and exemplified it. Even though I don't expect to find such a true love, I know what it is and can encourage others to pursue it. Though, I see no shame if and when it's appropriate for a spouse to go into a nursing home, as long as the other spouse remains faithful to his/her wife/husband.
ReplyDeleteAll you single men and women: This is the video you need to show a prospective spouse. This is what you want. If your significant other runs, let him or her run.
And that painting of Pentecost? Just lovely, the most lovely I have seen.
Thank you so much for sharing this post! First of all, the photos are amazing and they really made this blog more beautiful. I enjoyed your post and also the videos so much. Thank you for being my inspiration today and I hope to see more from you. May God bless you. :)
ReplyDeleteBecky, I don't believe the disciples are bowing to Mary in that picture (although they well might, given her elevated power and status as the Mother of God). It's more like they are "reeling" under the animating force of the descending Spirit (God Himself) Who enters the room (and their hearts) like a rushing wind and red hot fire!
ReplyDeleteMary, on the other hand, appears far more composed. Why? Because ever since she was overshadowed by the same Spirit at the Annunciation 33 years ago, He has already been indwelling in her. And over the years she has developed a familiarity - indeed the greatest intimacy - with Him. She can therefore understand the Divine Mysteries and withstand the works of God far better than others. Like at Calvary, in that overwhelmingly dramatic hour when she "stood", unflinching, at the foot of the Cross.
If you've seen the Passion of the Christ there are two scenes which beautifully (albeit subtly) portray Mary's silent strength and leadership. The first is when Jesus embarks on the road to Calvary. Mary and John are sheltered behind a wall of a house, watching the proceedings. John looks distraught and terrified, while Mary simply looks anguished. He keeps glancing nervously at her, until she resolutely steps out to join the death march, then he follows her. Again, when Jesus is raised on the Cross, it is Mary who takes the first steps towards him, with John following a step behind. That movie is so Catholic!
Two particular thoughts about Mary occurred to me recently. One, because she was immaculate (sinless) she (like Jesus) didn't suffer with concupiscence, so she (like Jesus) fought/resisted Satan effortlessly, with no inclination whatsoever towards his works and pomps and no weakness to temptations. (Little wonder he hates her so much! We, on the other hand, have a hard time resisting him precisely because of our own disordered inclinations). Secondly, if Commanders in Chief of worldly armies wield so much authority, imagine how much power the Captain of God's own army of angels - indeed their Queen - possesses! I'll opt to hide under her mantle any day, thank you! :)