Faith

What is difficult is not impossible – Thursday, 23rd Week in ordinary time – Colossians 3:12-17

Colossians 3:1-17 is a recognisable section of the letter and one that is often used to iron out differences in a community of believers. To understand this text fully we need to see it in its larger context of chapter three which has a pair of passages; one negatively focused (verses 5-11) and one positively oriented (verses 12-17).

The previous section of the letter (verses 5-11) with its concern with vices is now left behind. The text of today presents the positive dimensions of life in Christ. Christ provides the model and foundation for the life of the Colossians as he does for us. Notice, that these dimensions of Christian life are not some list for a few pious men and women but is a call to the entire community.

The list of five virtues in verse 12; compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are found elsewhere in the Pauline epistles but sadly not advocated by a world that believes in aggression in order to meet ones goals. It almost seems today that what St Paul advocates are for those who do not live in the real world. But St Paul is a realist and not one who lives in a fools paradise. In exhorting the community in Colossae to live these virtues, he also affirms that this community had differences. In asking them to ‘bear with each other’ he acknowledges that perhaps some people were unbearable and perhaps quite painful in the community. Life is never perfect. We never get perfect families, communities, co-workers or congregants. The reality is that we have to work towards living these virtues by bearing with each other. Sometimes, what cannot be cured must be endured!

It is important to note that these virtues are not just suggestions being made but are in some manner of speaking, rules which prohibit unchristian behaviour. Hence, selfishness and meanness remain prohibited. If we are found wanting, then the text of today admonishes us to change and make these changes in ourselves, in our character and in our behaviour. We need to read these instructions as if they are directed at us, and feel the conviction in our hearts, and proceed to make changes that are necessary and appropriate for people with the status we now hold as ‘God’s chosen ones’.

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Art/ Heritage

St Augustine
Philippe de Champaigne
1645 – 1650
Los Angeles County Museum of Art

A Christian at 33, a priest at 36, a bishop at 41, and today greatly revered as the Father or Doctor of the Church. We are all familiar with the life-sketch of St Augustine of Hippo – a sinner turned saint. Through this painting let’s look at his life through art.

The painting in consideration is executed by the French Baroque painter – Philippe de Champaigne in a typical Counter-Reformation style. We see a bearded Augustine seated on an ornate chair in the darkened interior, of his book-lined study.

Augustine was Bishop of Hippo, the ancient name of the modern city of Annaba, Algeria. Therefore Augustine is depicted wearing episcopal garments. Notice his mitre placed on the table and his pastoral staff or the crozier leaning nearby. The vestments he wears are richly embroidered with depictions of evangelists and saints. A large clasp with an image of Christ holds the mantle around his frail figure – as if he is cloaked by Christ.

The manuscript he writes is placed on the desk. As he begins, St. Augustine pauses. With a quill pen in his hand, he looks over his shoulder for inspiration. As he seeks the Truth, the Truth seeks him and sets him free. Having embraced the Truth, Augustine crushes the heretical scrolls and texts with his right foot. Observe the names inscribed on the scroll and books. They read – Celestius, Pelagius, and Julian. This indicates the intense theological debates on original sin and grace that Augustine was engaged in with these and other thinkers of his time.

As St Augustine gazes at the divine light bearing the words Veritas meaning Truth, the light gently illuminates the Biblia Sacra or the Bible placed on a wooden lectern to the left of the room. The light symbolizes the Living presence of God.

Notice as the Sacred pages mystically curve and flutter. One can almost feel the Spirit moving in the room. The Spirit of God inflames Augustine’s heart and mind with the burning love of God and for God.

Above the manuscript, in his left hand, Augustine holds his flaming heart.
Interestingly, his heart is placed beyond his physical self. The whole image radiates the passionate spirituality of this man of God. Having lived within the recesses of sin and darkness, Augustine understands the beauty of light. He clings on to his newfound beauty, ever ancient, ever new.

As Augustine spills his heart onto the canvas of his ‘Confessions’, he writes the song we sing – ‘Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.’

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Art/ Heritage

SACRED ART IN 100 WORDS

The Virgin of the Grapes
Mignard Pierre
1614 – 1616
Musée du Louvre, Paris

The Blessed Mother and Christ child are seated in a room by twilight. The Virgin wears a red dress covered with a blue mantle, indicating her role in the divine plan of salvation. With her right hand, she presents the child with grapes. Little Jesus sits on a cushion placed on his mother’s lap. In a playful gesture, he seems to engage in a peek-a-boo with the observer while caressing the grapes with his right hand. This cute canvas unfolds a message. Notice the basket of fruits placed on the side table. The apples remind us of the human fall while the grapes bear witness to the redeeming blood of Christ. Mary’s offering of the grapes foreshadows her role at the Manifestation of the Wedding Feast at Canna and the Cross. As baby Jesus lifts his mother’s veil, he opens the doors to Salvation.

– Archdiocesan Heritage Museum

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Art/ Heritage

SACRED ART IN 100 WORDS

Daniel in the Lion’s Den
Peter Paul Rubens
1614 – 1616
National Gallery Art, Washington

The stone has just rolled off the mouth of the cave, and morning light streams in. We see a thankful Daniel with his eyes raised to heaven and hands clasped in prayer. His body is tense, but his faith is faithful. The painting recounts the famous episode of the Persian King condemning the devout Daniel to spend the night in a lion’s den for refusing to worship him. Daniel is surrounded by fierce lions, each in various stages of slumber and wakefulness. Some stare straight at us, others sleep while still others roar and growl restlessly. By painting the cave as if beyond the frame, the artist draws us right into the picture. Daniel’s miraculous survival symbolizes the Resurrection of Christ. Nothing is impossible for those who believe in God’s promise of protection and providence.

– Archdiocesan Heritage Museum

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Art/ Heritage

SACRED ART IN 100 WORDS

Saint Peter in Tears
El Greco
C 1587 – 96
El Greco Museum, Spain

The painting pictures Peter’s pain-filled remorse. Against a stone stands the contrite apostle garbed in yellow and blue. His frail demeanour yearns for forgiveness. His tear-filled eyes are raised to heaven while his muscular hands are clasped in prayer and repentance. In the left background, we see yet another penitent saint. Mary Magdalene rushes to announce the angel’s message of the Resurrection of Christ. True to his style, El Greco elongates his figures. Their flame-like appearance defies gravity and transcends the viewer beyond terrestrial space. On the night of denial, Peter’s fear of death led to betrayal, and betrayal to guilt. His guilt could have caused self-destruction, but providentially the cock crowed. At that moment, Jesus turned and looked at Peter with pure love, and love provoked understanding and banished all fear.

– Archdiocesan Heritage Museum

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