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.
Baptism of Jesus Mark 1:2-8
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.
“Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.
John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist.* He fed on locusts and wild honey.
And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit.”
How do you feel looking at the image?
John the Baptist, in this image, is walking away, “leaving” the people in Jesus’ hands. Jesus is depicted in gold in the background.
What must I leave in order to better see everyone as a child of God?
Who are the prophets today asking us to make the roads straight?
Now, offer your prayers to God in a final moment of silence.