This week we approach Transfiguration Sunday, the final Sunday before the beginning of Lent. To create some reflective space as the season of Lent approaches, we will be engaging in a practice called “Visio Divina.” Simply put, Visio Divina is praying with art and visual imagery. As one author has put it:
“Visio Divina is translated as ‘divine seeing.’ It is related to the prayer form Lectio Divina (divine reading), but instead of Scripture, this form of prayer uses visual elements to help set your mind on prayer. It allows God to speak into your heart through the image.” (read more here)
For each of this week’s readings you are invited to spend some time prayerfully meditating on a work of art related to that Scripture. Perhaps listen to the song as you meditate, or you may wish to do so in silence. As you gaze at the artwork, pay attention to the movement of your soul. Ask yourself these questions: What does it stir in you? What thoughts, questions, or emotions are stirred? What do you find yourself thinking about? Then spend some time praying over what has stirred in you as a result of the song and the artwork.
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 (NRSV)
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside.
But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside.
Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.
Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.
We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
Song: “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” by Holly Halliwell
Lyrics: Click here
