Weeks
ago I gave you a glimpse into my heart as we perused poetry written
in Munich; if you will indulge me, we will peek at another painting
at the Alte Pinakotech. Albrecht Durer's Self Portrait displays the
artist's uncanny ability
to see with the mind's eye something he witnessed in himself. From a
distance one expects a painting of Christ- it has every hint of His
face: long brown hair, slightly gaunt features and a penetrating gaze-
but in a moment, coming closer to the piece, one is utterly
surprised! Christ is wrapped in a fur coat. Perhaps it isn't Christ-
as the title of the work eludes, it is a self portrait- but the
viewer is left wondering.
I want
my life to make others wonder- drawing near, penetrating the
wrappings of my world that appear to hold me in time and place and
situation. I am a wife, a mother of five; I love to laugh and
bake and garden and read and write, yet there is more hidden in me
than eye can first discern. May the God I love so hold me, make me
and mold me that one must cast a second glance. Weeping with fear
this morning I went to the church and simply sat, as the daughter of
The King, and He whispered, “My child, Hush now. Great is My love
and deep is My mercy. Do not fear, be of great courage. I am near. I
will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous
right hand.”
I wonder if you know that
love that casts out fear with the whisper of His voice?
Medicine from Sacred
Writings:
“Greater than all
things is to have Christ our beloved at once and our lover that then
we may by experience come to know what is spiritual joy, and a life
of blessedness, and untold treasure of good things, let us leave
everything to cling to that love.” St. John Chrysostom Epistle to
the Romans Homily 9 NPNF1; 11.401
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