Categories: uncategorized
Date: 16 January 2007 12:04:08
I have this picture of Jesus in my lounge room. The original was painted in the sixth century. He is "Jesus to be reckoned with" according to the re:jesus site linked to above. I have this one in my bedroom. I don't know where this one comes from, but it's a pretty common one in Orthodox circles. It's a little less realistic, but still quite stern. In fact I haven't really liked it, or any others really. They haven't been realistic enough, they haven't been Australian enough, they're too Greek looking, they haven't appealled to my tastes, and Jesus hasn't looked nice. Basically, they haven't been a picture of the Jesus in my head. But then perhaps that is the idea...
Just to quickly point out, the Orthodox don't worship these pictures, called icons. They are often called "windows into heaven." They give us a visual image of someone who is in heaven, a bit like a photograph of someone we love.
I have had these pictures up for a few months, but it has only been in the past few days that I have _really_ looked at Jesus in them. Suddenly what I have always been taught, and known in my head, has become real. Jesus is really here. He always sees me. It was quite difficult to look at his face. It was more than just the warm fuzzy "Jesus is with me." It was very real. It was unsettling. I am unworthy to look in his eyes. He sees me, and some of what he sees is not very nice. But I didn't want to look away. I would rather that he saw all of me, than me trying to hide the nasty bits. It's like prayer without words, to just stand in front of a picture of Jesus, looking each other in the eyes.
You've gotta give it a try!