 |
| Green Aura Crowd by Hannah Lane |
This post is the end of an on-going Lenten series that began Ash Wednesday.
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side,
while he dismissed the crowds.
And after had had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.
When evening came, he was there alone," (Matthew 14:22-23)
+
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)
The days of Lent and my Lenten practice for this year have led to Holy Week and to this day of Good Friday. Here are a few things I have learned over the last few weeks of prayer and exploration.
- There are many faces and aspects of myself that make up the "inner crowd" - some have been easy to name - others remain known only to God for now.
- Engaging in soul work, making new discoveries and connections is both rigorous and revealing.
- Jesus has more compassion for us than we have for ourselves- but we can learn from him. The compassion that Jesus shows to us becomes compassion that we can show to ourselves and others.
- Sharing the journey with friends and companions is a gift.
- Art can help us look inward and make the movement from head to heart.
- Choosing a few scriptures to frame these days and spending time with them has opened up Jesus's life in new ways.
- The Lenten journey is not a straight path to Easter and Resurrection - there are many turns and detours.
In Hannah Lane's painting, I see a crowd full of life and color who has been gathered in - each one belongs to the whole. I feel a moment of acceptance, joy and harmony - even if it's not always that way - it sometimes can be.
Today's vista & prayer:
- Did you take on a specific Lenten practice this year? What has been your experience? What have you learned about yourself and God over these days?
- How does Hannah Lane's painting speak to you?
- We pray: Jesus, long ago you dismissed the crowd to be alone with God. On another occasion you saw the crowd and were moved with compassion. Teach me the ways of compassion so I might become a giver of compassion in my corner of the world. Amen.
