TLDR: Art illuminates the way in which we see God working in our lives.

As a child, my father would take my brothers and I to the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA). One of the artists we saw was Caravaggio’s Martha and Mary Magdalene. The depiction of two women in Jesus’ ministry is important. Of course, all of you know that Martha and Mary from the traditional story, are from Bethany^[1] not Magdalene. Still, seeing these women portrayed is breathtaking. As a child who felt drawn to Biblical studies, I found the way in which art was depicted helpful. The depiction of Martha and Mary was not historically accurate, they are Middle Eastern women. Still, the deep colors and shadowed tones drew me into their lives and gave me reasonable questions to begin pondering. Especially at a time of growth (I was between 10-20 years old).

When I was preparing for a Bible Study, before the next curate was announced, I was reminded of  Caravaggio’s work and read up on his paintings, particularly, his Sacrifice of Isaac^[2] painting. Oddly, the painting reminded me of the conversations that I would have with my Dad around the time that we were going to the DIA. The story in the Bible has always concerned me, why would God ask for such a large sacrifice after Abraham had waited so long for his beloved child to be born? These are the types of questions that I would ask my father.

Great theologians have pondered this question, and I wonder if Abraham could know his own devotion until this moment. I wonder if Isaac could understand the sacrifice that comes with loving God. There are many wonders and few answers. 

In times of transition and difficulty, it is important to remember that we serve a God who is always loving, always caring, and always merciful. In moments where the shadows seem so deep it is difficult to be in despair, one looks toward God for mercy. There will be an answer.

In Carvaggio’s image,^[3] Abraham is seen as conflicted. An angel is immediately stopping Abraham’s actions. God was looking for obedience from Abraham and it is clear from this depiction that this will be exactly what God receives. This story shows the way in which God is our first priority. God is also the merciful one who relieves fears and troubles.

As your curate, I have walked with you along the shadows and in the valleys. The next curate (Leesa) has the blessing of continuing this journey. She knows far more than I do about art, and my prayer is that through her love of this artist you can continue deepening your faith.

For my part, I will be continuing to look at art, some of it European, Latin American, Modern - most of it at the Houston Museum of Fine Art. My call is taking me to a place where students can ask big questions of me, and I can listen, as my father did all those years ago.

So, before I depart, mark your calendar for one last Hurrah - a potluck on June 15 at 6:00 p.m. Let’s celebrate the way God has shown God’s love and mercy to us over the last two years!

For His Sake,

Mtr. Beth Anne +

^[1] Luke 10:38-42

^[2] https://picryl.com/media/sacrifice-of-isaac-caravaggio-c-1603-7412a3

^[3] https://www.flickr.com/photos/aiva/46388713235