Risen Glory

Details: 22 April 2011

Earlier this spring, I received a phone call from Laura Duggan, the coordinator for the Sacred Art Show. They will hold their third annual "Sacred Art Show" April 29 and 30 at the Blessed John XXIII diocesan center in Lincoln. We are grateful that each year the participating artists donate 10% of the proceeds to St. Gianna Women’s Homes, a safe haven for women escaping domestic violence and abortion staffed by the Marian Sisters.

This year there will be more than 20 artists from Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana and Arizona. There will be painters, sculptors, jewelers, woodcarvers, muralists, fiber artists, mixed media artists and photographers. Friday night there will be a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception from 5:30 to 9 p.m. with an admission price of $5. Priests and religious will be admitted free of charge.

Saturday, the show continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission. It is a perfect time to pick out items for your home or a gift for others, perhaps a wedding gift to adorn the home of a newlywed couple. I am confident that those who are able to attend will not be disappointed with the lovely art work that will be present.

While I am on the topic of beautiful works of art, earlier last week while driving through the lovely state of Missouri, I saw one of the most beautiful sunrises which rival some of the ones here in Nebraska where the skies are wide open.

I immediately thought of my grandmother Margaret who lost almost everything in the Great Depression. She would say, "Look at that beautiful painting in the sky! God put it there for everyone to enjoy! It does not matter if one is rich or poor."

The late Pope John Paul II, who will soon be beatified, was asked why he loved getting up early in the morning. He said he loved watching the sun come, not only because of its inherent beauty, but also because it is a reminder of our own future resurrection from the dead.

As lovely as a beautiful work of art and a sunrise or sunset is, they all fall short of the infinite beauty of the risen Lord Jesus Christ. As we get set to celebrate the Easter Triduum, let us be reminded that we are celebrating the definitive victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death and the opening of the gates of heaven to those who have left this world marked with the sign of faith. No longer is there a cherubim with a flaming sword guarding the way to the tree of life (Gen 3:24). Now we have access to the tree of life which is the cross and its fruit, the Holy Eucharist, what Ignatius of Antioch calls the ‘medicine of immortality.’ He who eats this fruit will be likewise raised on the last day to share this incomprehensible beauty and glory (Jn 6:53-58).

Our prayer at Catholic Social Services is that you and your family will have a holy and blessed Easter and Easter Season. Please know that you, your family and intentions remain in our prayers. Jesus, the risen Lord, have mercy on us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!