The purpose of an icon is to facilitate an encounter, connecting the person viewing with the person being viewed. Icons in the Orthodox tradition are sacramental in that they are understood to make present what they depict. We look at the person in the icon and more importantly they look at us holding us in their gaze. This reminds us that we are continually held in the loving gaze of God our creator and life giver.
Gathering: Our Lady of Refuge and John the Evangelist
It is Christ who gathers us, to form us into a Eucharistic Community.
This icon invites us to gather with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with John the evangelist, also known as the beloved disciple.
Mary the mother of God and John the disciple gathered together here, represents the coming together of the early Christian church, in the darkness of despair of the crucifixion and the light of hope of the resurrection
The figures of Mary and John show us a faith that, while fully present to the suffering and pain at the foot of the cross, is open to whatever God plans to do next.
The gift from the cross is the Church – a people called together by Christ, a community of faith, of hope, of care and much more.
Through Jesus’ redemptive work a new family was created, one in which all are welcome, and the family tie is the bond of faith in Christ, established through baptism, Confirmation and celebrated in Eucharist.
This encounter invites us to take our place in the empty spaces in this scene. (Pause)
The red in the picture symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the hope of resurrection (Pause)
Let us reflect:
Where are the challenges in my life? Where is Christ’s light of hope trying to break through?
Let us remember those suffering in this community from a lack of hope or going through a period where the light seems to be fading rapidly.
Let us stand in solidarity of spirit with them.