The Italian renaissance artist, Piero della Francesca, was a civic councillor in Sansepolcro, Tuscany. His first commission for the town as an artist was his Baptism of Christ, which has found a home in the National Gallery, London. This is one of my all, time favourite paintings. It shows Christ being baptised by John with a beautiful luminescent Tuscan scene behind. To the left are three angels witnessing this vitally important event, yet it is calm, serene and very moving. Christ stand in a limpid pool, his hands together in silent prayer, allowing John to pour water over him from a small bowl. Above him the cloud becomes the dove, blending into the blue sky. In the distance is the small town of Sansepolcro and a few figures, one changing his garment, who have also been baptised.
To gaze on the scene allows us, the viewer, to reflect on those special times when God has been close to us. It may have been our baptism if that was an adult event, or perhaps a time of difficulty when we have sought God and he has come close to us.
Yet we must take care. Art gallery visits are often seen as an opportunity to see everything, to tick it off the list, to say ‘we have been there’. Better to choose one or two sections or one or two paintings and spend time allowing them to speak to us.
The same can be said for our daily scripture readings. We can be tempted to read it quick, tick it off the daily list, or gaze at a verse or two, take time to allow God to come close, speak to us and challenge or empower us.
To return to the picture I have described is also an opportunity to remind ourselves that God needs looking at. What better way than to observe his creation around us at this time of year. Find something beautiful. Take time and just look. Allow God to speak.
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to thee,
How great thou art, how great thou art!
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