Today, we encounter "Christ Healing the Sick at Bethesda" by Carl Heinrich Bloch. This is a painting and an image of divine mercy. As my good friend, Patrick van der Vorst, at Christian Art writes, the painting is capturing the moment where Jesus "picked the one lonely man to heal" and that it was the man's helplessness which "drew Jesus to him." Patrick's Lenten Gospel reflection invites us to examine our own state. Are we in need of divine mercy? Do we invite Jesus into the preoccupations of our lives? Like the man in this story, it is our response to Jesus' question that becomes life-changing. As we approach the glory of Easter, let us allow the remaining days of Lent to help us examine the question Jesus proposes today: Do you want to be well? Let us respond humbly, not refusing God's loving invitation to receive whatever is from him, which is always for our good.    For a reflection about this painting, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Today, we encounter "Dante and Virgil in hell" by William-Adolphe Bouguereau. This is a haunting painting and a vision of hell. As my good friend, Patrick van der Vorst, at Christian Art writes, the painting "depicts Dante and Virgil in the eighth circle of Hell...." Patrick provides a Lenten Gospel reflection using the artist's portrayal of hypocrisy - the "twisting of realities to suit our needs." Let us continue to participate in the Lenten exercise, examining our heart, turning back to God, and ask for assistance that he may help purify our motives in all we do each day. For a reflection about this painting, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Today, we encounter "The First Mourning" by William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Bouguereau is fast becoming one of my favorite artists. I encountered today's painting thanks to my good friend, Patrick van der Vorst, at Christian Art; https://www.christian.art/index.php. He provides a beautiful Lenten reflection on such a beautiful painting. For a reflection about this painting, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

“Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” Jesus first addresses the paralytic’s deepest need and most serious ailment in order to reveal his true mission as the Son of God: the salvation of souls. Even a miraculous restoration of physical health will not last forever, but Christ’s forgiveness means we can “rise and walk” on the last day. The scribes accuse Jesus of blasphemy because they ... fail to see their need for conversion. Let us be “struck with awe and glorify God” that we, too, can receive the forgiveness of sins. Credit: as published at MAGNIFICAT, http://www.magnificat.net, July 2, 2020. Man is ordered to the good, the true, and the beautiful because, as the Catholic Church teaches, in such things we encounter God. Today, we encounter "Christ Healing the Paralytic" by Anthony Van Dyck. For a reflection about this painting, please click on the image. Peace be with you!