Dear Friends,
Luke Anthology, Donald Jackson with contributions from Aidan Hart and Sally Mae Joseph, Copyright 2002, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
During the Eucharist on Sundays, we hear passages from the Gospel of Luke this year. In the illumination, Luke Anthology of The Saint John’s Bible, artists Donald Jackson, Aidan Hart and Sally Mae Joseph present several of these together. In my prayer with this image, several details drew my eye. The colorful garment stands out that the father holds in hand while running toward his wayward son. The father is ready to embrace his son who has turned away from the pigs that represent the poor choices he has made. The father, with an expression of goodness and mercy on his face, is going to clothe him with the festive garment and to put a ring on his finger as an expression of his dignity as son of this merciful father.
I also feel drawn to the gold of the angels who rejoice about the sheep, lost in a dark place who has been found, and who also joyfully surround the poor man, Lazarus, who rests securely in the embrace of Abraham. Then my eyes wander to the representation of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, which are bathed in that same golden light; and this gives me goose bumps. Can it be that the forgiving love of our heavenly Father even embraces those who have committed these atrocities? Certainly, the red that dominates this whole illumination so strongly also is the color of blood. Jesus did not only tell the parable of the Good Samaritan, he himself became that Samaritan to the point of shedding his blood for a lost and wounded humanity…
On July 17 we celebrated the grand opening of our permanent and interactive display on The Saint John’s Bible. The Rev. Dr. John Ross, Executive Director of its Heritage Program, said in his keynote address: “We have lost the skill of patient and prayerful reading… The opportunity to experience The Saint John’s Bible is to encourage a space for rest, a time to slow down, and an invitation to carry this slower pace into our daily lives.” – Please come to pray with this 21st century hand-written bible and its stunning illuminations, alone or with your group!
On this same day, we marked the 25th anniversary of St. Benedict Center’s opening with a panel of friends sharing their experiences at the retreat center and about ideas on how it can continue to fulfill its mission in the future. – I am looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Fr. Thomas Leitner, OSB, Administrator