Visual Reflections on the Lectionary
How do you immerse yourself in the biblical text? For one young clergy woman, visual art is key to the process. She writes, "I believe through images and the act of creating, the Spirit engages us and gives us new eyes to see the unseen God alive in our lives and in the lives of our communities. ... In letting the Word reside in our imaginations and wrestle with us in new ways, I believe we become more faithful and creative preachers."
To enlarge each piece--and you'll definitely want to do that with this lovely work--click on the thumbnail.
Letting Go. 15th Sunday After Pentecost. Luke 14: 25-33.
The power and mercy of God's hold gives us courage to let go of that
which holds us captive.
My Grandmother's Gardens. 19th Sunday After Pentecost. 2 Timothy 1:5
"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your
grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in
you."
The Persistent Widow. 21st Sunday After Pentecost. Luke 18:1-8
Perhaps God may be the persistent widow, persistent in seeking
justice for all Her people, repeatedly coming to this world that
doesn't fear God or respect people, daily crying out for justice,
making justice, bringing justice and not giving up on us and this
world.
Comments
Susan O writes:
I particularly love the picture "My Grandmother's Gardens." I'm fascinated by drawing as part of your sermon prep. Do you draw first, then write, or are they a side-by-side type of thing. Thanks for sharing these.
—October 24, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Katie writes:
Really beautiful stuff, Sara. Thank you!
—October 24, 2007 at 05:10 PM
Jenn writes:
I, too, am drawn to "My Grandmother's Gardens." Thanks for sharing these pieces.
—October 24, 2007 at 08:38 PM
sara writes:
Thanks.
In response to your question, Susan, my sermon writing process begins with these drawings. I spend some time reading the texts, and I try to memorize the Gospel for the week. And then I just let the initial reading inform the art. My goal is that these are my own initial responses, although sometimes I wait until later in the week, after conversations and other voices shape my reading. Part of how I am wired is to think in images, so this helps me get to the center of what I hear God saying to me and to my community. And then my sermon writing grows from the images, always the last piece of the puzzle for me.
—October 27, 2007 at 12:09 PM
reverendmother writes:
Thanks for the 'window' into your process, Sara!
—October 27, 2007 at 08:19 PM
suzanne writes:
what an excellent visual reflection on the weekly texts. how long have you used this process? (and if you're a visual thinker/learner--i'd venture to guess always)
i also notice many are circular. i use mandalas in reflection of scripture and wonder if this is intentional for you.
peace.
—October 29, 2007 at 07:14 PM