During Lenten Season, we have the opportunity to focus upon the sacrifice and upcoming resurrection of Our Savior Jesus – but is there more for us to focus on in this state of anticipation? What did Jesus do on the Cross? How is our suffering connected? Here is Holy Scripture and ancient art for us to consider. The Apostle Paul poignantly offers “Oh, the depth…” How do we arrive at appreciating that depth?
The photo is a portion of a magnificent painting in London’s National Gallery exhibit, “Seeing Salvation.” One may see the sadness in the angel’s face as it holds the precious Body of Christ. The Artist is Carlo Crivelli and it was painted in approximately 1470-5.
An angel’s sadness ~ our sadness ~ an anticipation most powerfully and gloriously ended! Does this sacred time period of sadness give us a model for trusting Our Savior? With the glorious result, may our sadness be considered a vital period of time for surrendering to the greatest power that transforms sadness to Joy?
Oh, the depth of the riches
both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable are His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has given to Him that it might be paid back to him again?
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever.
Amen. Romans 11:33-36
AnneMarie, President and Executive Director