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.
Acts of the Apostles 2:1-13
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.
Pentecost:
“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind,* and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”
How do you feel looking at the image?
How do we enter deeper this Lent into the theme of Open Wide Our Hearts “in the name of Jesus Christ”?
At Pentecost the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. How am I allowing the Holy Spirit to fill me and do the work of Christ?
Now, offer your prayers to God in a final moment of silence.