| This Black History Month, we have licensed four of artist Steve A. Prince’s social justice artworks to feature. We will post one artwork each Sunday, with questions and prompts for you to do Visio Divina, or “sacred seeing,” an ancient form of Christian prayer in which we allow our hearts and imaginations to enter into the image to see what God might have to say to us.
Meditate + Reflect“Alpha Omega,” Linoleum Cut on Paper, 18″ x 24″ 2021 Description from Steve: When I reflected upon the Nativity scene that we traditionally see during the Christmas season nestled in front yards and church lawns across the nation, the relationship between Mary and Jesus bubbled to the surface. I saw their lives reflected in every mother and every child that has entered a beautiful, perilous, awe- inspiring and uncertain world. The mother is adorned with a headdress that symbolizes the weight of the world on her mind as she nurtures, guides, feeds, protects, and trains her child how to navigate this sometimes-treacherous world. The house bends but does not break under the pressure of the world that tries to penetrate it, and it becomes one of our first sacred spaces on earth beyond the mother’s womb. The home sits amidst church facades, prison and border walls, rust and Bible belts afflicted by opioids, and “strange fruit hanging from poplar trees.” A trinity of telephone poles/crosses reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice at Golgotha, place of the skull. Alpha and Omega means beginning and end. Jesus is our peerless example whose sacrifice bridges the gap, and through Him we have access to the Father and eternal life. Matthew 10:30 states, “and even the very hairs on your head are numbered,” alluding to the idea that generations exist in the DNA of our hair and represent God’s omnipotent power. The Holy Spirit circulates in the center of the composition, creating a hedge of protection for the mother and child. The great devourer serpentines around her waist, seeking to kill and destroy the baby. The mother is emblazoned with the letters “AOG,” which is derived from Ephesians 6:12, where Paul writes, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Paul encouraged his followers to put on the whole Armor of God. As we reflect upon Christ’s birth and subsequent sacrifice, may we also recognize the Christ in all of us. May we seek God’s protection over generations to come, and may we be the salt of the earth! Visio Divina Prompts• Consider your first impressions. As you take in the image, notice your breath and your body. Allow your eyes to stay with the very first thing that catches your eye. Ask the Spirit to speak to you through what you’ve noticed, and leave room to listen. Slow your breathing and gently bring your attention back when it strays. What thoughts come to mind as you consider where your eye first lands? What emotions surface? • Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. Let yourself begin to take in the picture as a whole, considering other parts of the image that catch your attention. How does the entire image make you feel? What questions does it provoke, or what memories does it stir up? If you were in the image, where would you place yourself? • Look for God. Has anything in the painting become sacred for you? Is there a name for God, Jesus, or the Spirit that arises for you? In silence, sit with what you have received. It may be tempting to rush through the steps, but remember we are practicing keeping company with Jesus. Talk with God about what comes up for you. • Return. If possible, return to the image throughout the day. This is an opportunity to continue to ponder and listen for God in an ongoing way. Visio Divina prompts created by and used with permission of Vanessa Sadler and the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace. |
