We had been granted permission by use images from the Saint John’s Illustrated Bible during Lent 2021. Now that Lent is over these images are no longer available for viewing. We encourage you to find your own images (try a google search) using the Gospel readings listed below or to turn this Visio Divina into a Lectio Divina opportunity. We are grateful to the Saint John’s Illustrated Bible for their cooperation with our project.
Parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10: 29-37
VISIO DIVINA: Praying through Art
Visio divina, ‘divine seeing’, is a form of prayer where we invite God to speak to our hearts as we look at an image. As you gaze at this artwork, you will be offered some questions for silent reflection, some of which may speak to you, while others you may choose to ignore. This is a wonderful form of prayer for the entire family to take part in together.
Spend about one minute in quiet (or with gentle music) gazing at this artwork. Simply be present to the image and allow it to speak to your heart, without any particular agenda. It might speak to you in words or wordlessly.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
“But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise”
Ponder the following questions to end your time within visio divina. If you are with others, consider sharing some of your others.
Questions:
How do you feel looking at the image?
The story of the Good Samaritan is depicted in the middle of image. Do we “pass by” those beaten down?
Are we beaten down and is there room for the “outsider” (whoever & however we define outsider) to bring us healing?
The story of the Prodigal son is below the Good Samaritan – who are we in the image? Our family is broken and the father runs to us to reconcile us.
Now, offer your prayers to God in a final moment of silence.