Lent and beyond
Once a month from now on I am going to write and display some material on the News section of our website.
With blessings for Lent, from Helen, and all at Holland House
Artwork
The painting I have uploaded is called Discarded Flower. You might want to use it for reflection, for Visio Divina, during Lent. Visio Divina is divine or holy looking. It recognises that all God’s creation engages and encounters us and mysteriously speaks to us of God, via the work of the Holy Spirit. It is about gazing, not glancing, about paying close attention, and not assuming immediately that you understand what you see. If we are open to the Spirit, we may be gifted with glimpses of God in all that is. But we can also learn to see as God sees, as we share in God’s life and practice this kind of looking.
Not everyone finds art work easy, so don’t worry if this does nothing for you. But, if you would care to, I would invite you to gaze at Discarded Flower. Pay close attention, and don’t jump to conclusions. What do you see, colours and forms? Does it resonate with anything for you? Are there words of Scripture which might reinforce what it seems to say, or contradict it? Does it remind you of anything else? A poem? An incident? What attracts you to it or repels you from it? Might God be drawing you to some insight, some grace through the painting? It may help some people to ask God how it might relate to you or to your or another’s life / the life of the world?
As a painting it participates – at least I believe it does- in God’s creative nature. Remember that St Dionysius said the question God will ask us at the judgement is, “Have you enjoyed my creation?” Talk with God about it. Through it, is God calling you to be or say or do something? It may lead you into prayer, praise or intercession, or, as you gaze you may be drawn into the deep silence where we know God is present. As St Teresa of Avila said, sit and just allow God to love you.
Words for Lent
As we begin the first full week of Lent, I would like to share with you some words from my friend the Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal, who is a retired Methodist Minister and the founder of the City of Sanctuary movement. https://cityofsanctuary.org
Inderjit writes:
‘Blessings for Lent to you and all who are special to you. Lent is an annual reminder to us all to consume less. But also to remember that the real fast is to work for justice (Isaiah 58:6-7). It is not about going without food yourself. It is more about ensuring no one goes without food. It is about so living that all have enough, that there is enough for all, enough for each.’
A collect for Lent
God of tenderness and compassion,
you desire the fast that gives bread to the hungry
and lets the oppressed go free.
Forgive our complacency,
renew our vision and courage,
that we may share in your work for justice,
and embody your steadfast love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen. (Helen Stanton)
