March 14th, 2024
I hope today you might have a strong wi-fi connection and a much stronger prayer day.
Otherwise, just reset everything! Unplug.
So far for me, this Lenten season has been all about second chances, the color purple, stained glass, fish, sea creatures, and the empty tomb. Far from perfection, right?
The Lord said to Moses. “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt (Ex 32:7)”.
I have always believed in second chances! One more time to do it again, try harder, perhaps better, to conquer that mountain top, to truly repent and to fully love again. In today’s first reading, God provides important lessons about our faith, patience, obedience, and trust. Throughout the Book of Exodus, the overall message is one of redemption, second chances, and new beginnings, very relevant to the season of Lent.
As a photographer, I use the practice of Visio Divina. This is a contemplative way of reading the Bible, an invitation into “divine seeing” and creativity that often exceeds the limits of my imagination. Visio Divina is an ancient practice, where through art, our heart becomes open and receptive. The visible makes the invisible a reality, a wonderful link between my spiritual life, art and second chances. It also serves as a great devotional to unplug, reset, and perhaps a second chance to be spiritually present at the scene.
Also, during this special season, my eyes are searching more and more to find daily miracles, nature’s splendor, meaningful moments of grace, as well as evidence of how our Lord is ever present by our side. (Exodus 32:14 “My presence will go with you”). Praying and contemplating on what one sees can lead to new faith experiences that surpass time and place. Visio Divina invites us to look closer, beyond our first visual impressions, explore more deepy our own emotions and perhaps share them in an intimate conversation with our Lord. Contemplating art becomes a doorway to our spiritual journey.
Today’s Gospel (John 5:31-47) challenges us to live our lives not to impress others with our accomplishments, material possessions, or even our art. Knowing our motives, do we create art to be praised or liked by others? Or to please God and his mission for us? These are important questions to reflect on as we navigate the era of social media, likes, and followers.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray that your art can impact our world as a living legacy of the true meaning of being a Catholic artist of the 21st Century.
Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
Clarissa Cervantes is a photographer, physical therapist, poet and researcher. Clarissa strives to create meaningful Catholic images and articles to inspire and uplift readers. Follow her on Instagram.