Monthly Masterpiece - August
Sacred art can help us to contemplate the mysteries of our faith.
Every month we will look at a different image and the mystery it represents.
Every month we will look at a different image and the mystery it represents.
Dwelling in the loftiest citadel of virtue, like a sea of divine grace or an unfathomable source of love that has everywhere overflowed its banks, she poured forth her bountiful waters on trusting and thirsting souls. Able to preserve both flesh and spirit from death she bestowed health-giving salve on bodies and souls. Has anyone ever come away from her troubled or saddened or ignorant of the heavenly mysteries? Who has not returned to everyday life gladdened and joyful because his request had been granted by the Mother of God?
She is a bride, so gentle and affectionate, and the mother of the only true bridegroom. In her abundant goodness she has channelled the spring of reason’s garden, the well of living and life-giving waters that pour forth in a rushing stream from divine Lebanon and flow down from Mount Zion until they surround the shores of every far-flung nation. With divine assistance she has redirected these waters and made them into streams of peace and pools of grace. Therefore, when the Virgin of virgins was led forth by God and her Son, the King of kings, amid the company of exulting angels and rejoicing archangels, with the heavens ringing with praise, the prophecy of the psalmist was fulfilled, in which he said to the Lord: At your right hand stands the queen, clothed in gold of Ophir. The readings from the Fathers and spiritual masters at certain Hours of the Liturgy of the Hours, reveal the deeper meanings of the mystery being celebrated, assist in understanding the psalms, and help one prepare for silent prayer. Rejoice, Rejoice, for you are the Throne of the King. Rejoice, Rejoice, for you sustained the Sustainer of all. Rejoice, Rejoice, Star that causes the Sun to appear. Rejoice, Rejoice, Womb of the divine Incarnation. (From the Akathist Hymn, circa 6th century) |
|
To see past editions of Monthly Masterpiece, view the Archives:
|