I’ve always found a comfort, inspiration, and theological stretching in looking at ancient and medieval icons. I grew up in a Quaker church with whitewashed walls and am grateful for the foundation that all we need is Christ – all of these decorations and icons can tend towards excess or ego, sure. With age (and maybe maturity?) I can look at them with a certain intellectual moderation – they are not essential but they are valuable to imagining and looking at faith in ways that whitewashed walls cannot help.
This ancient icon called “Paternitas” is of a variety that shows the Trinity in a unique fashion – one divine essence seated on the Supreme and Ancient throne. The interesting choice to show Christ Emmanuel (the childlike Christfigure) has always comforted me. The books of Daniel and Revelation both factor in with the cherubim (those 8 winged angels) and the footstool of flame. Daniel and Simeon, two stylites (monks who hung out on pillars in devotion to Christ) may be the ones depicted in the background while Philip who evangelized the Ethiopian eunuch (probably) features in the lower corner. There’s a lot more going on here, and you can read here if interested: https://myweb.rollins.edu/aboguslawski/Ruspaint/paternitas.html
Ultimately, I’ve loved this icon for a long time. It showed up in my “On this day” a couple weeks ago and I sort of skipped it. It’s been in the back of my mind until a co-worker and I were talking the other day, and this came back to me last night. I love this icon anew because it stretches me theologically and forces me to confront old, unchallenged assumptions. Today I am contemplating again the idea that Christ is not white. I am grateful that, although He may not look like me, I am created in His image, too. He is the Messiah for all people, all times, all cultures, all backgrounds, and yes, all skin colors. I must reach out to those not like me to more fully understand the love of Christ and participate in it fully. Nobody is allowed to be beneath my notice simply because of Jesus Christ being my Lord and Savior. And if there are any that I have hurt intentionally or by association, I must repent (turn from my selfish actions) and do my best to make it right.
I hope that I can emulate Christ’s humility and be sure to love and reach out to ALL people instead of just the ones who seem like me. #BlackHistoryMonth
trialsofjoy 