Over the last few days, those about to be ordained have been on retreat, finding a moment of quiet before their next step on their journey of faith and service. Today I thought we might join them in reflection, considering not only our own ordinand, Rick, who is preparing for his ordination on Saturday, but also our own vocations - and those who we know who are beginning to explore their journey through faith.
This week I found an interesting article on Artsper Magazine website that shared the image below and brief commentary. I found it quite provoking and thought you too might be able to take something from it as we consider vocation and those about to be ordained.
Caspar David Friedrich, Monk by the Sea (1808-10)
What time of day would you place this scene? Perhaps in the morning, as evidenced by this enveloping white mist. Or would it be in the evening, as this fading light would suggest in the distance? The presence of the Capuchin monk walking on this seaside gives us no answer. The only thing certain: he seems thoughtful in the face of the immensity of the surrounding landscape.
... The canvas is a remarkable illustration of the painter’s concerns throughout his career. Indeed, his scenes, inspired by allegory and philosophy, invite the character of his work to contemplation. In the same way that the spectator himself is called to contemplate this vast enigmatic expanse. Almost everything here is reduced to a minimum. The line, the color, the human presence, appears as a simple “detail” in the composition. With this work, Friedrich seems to send us a message: man is not much in the face of this unpredictable, sometimes cruel nature. Thus the Monk by the Sea invites us to reflect, but above all, to let our mind wander.
I'm sure this piece will be familiar to you all, but this arrangement I find particularly contemplative:
Loving, strengthening God,
through your church you call people
into positions of leadership
and to care for your people.
Such a task loving God
can be filled with joy one moment
and frustration the next.
So today we pray for those
you have called to be leaders in this church
thinking especially of the task of Pastoral Care
of your people here.
Give to those you have called the strength and the wisdom
to care for your people.
Lord it is not always about doing it themselves,
but about being part of a team
sharing with the whole congregation
making sure that this your church,
cares for its people
physically, mentally and spiritually,
ensuring that it is not only the few who are cared for but all.
Loving God may those you have called,
find their faith and trust in you
strengthened and their vision
of your Kingdom enlarged.
Amen
