We welcome Sister Durstyne Farnan, OP, of the Adrian Dominican Sisters to A Nun's Life this Lent. Sister Durstyne along with a number of other Catholic Sisters in and around the Diocese of Toledo have joined together to offer daily reflections during Lent. We are grateful to be able to offer these reflections to you, the A Nun's Life community! Today's scripture readings are Leviticus 19: 1-2,11-18; Psalm 19: 8-10, 15; and Matthew 25: 31-46.
In this first full week of Lent, the readings lay out a path for our whole lives. First, we have the Ten Commandments in Leviticus and in the Gospel of Matthew; Jesus tells us what we must do to inherit the kingdom:
“I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you game me drink,
A stranger and you welcomed me,
Naked and you clothed me,
Ill and you cared for me,
In prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:35-39)
I’ve just become introduced to a new spiritual practice called “Visio Divina” or “Divine Seeing.” In this practice one is invited to slowly, prayerfully, and contemplatively behold a piece of visual art (e.g.: an Icon, holy card or painting), by gazing upon the art and reflecting on how God is speaking to you. You may discover surprise, excitement, or even disturbance.
In the next few weeks, find some Icons or photos or paintings that remind you of the Gospel today and contemplate what new insights God reveals to you through art. The Psalm refrain today is a meaningful one to sing or carry in your heart during Lent: “Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and Life.” Why not adopt this as a mantra for yourself this week?
How might you adopt this mantra? How does God speak to you through art?
