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  Daran Freund said...

  1

  I think the thing that sttod out to me the most regarding the painting is the notion that the Godhead makes room for us - the circle is never fully enclosed. As I look at it seems as though the Trinity is inviting us to join them in intimate fellowship.

  I loved Henri Nouwen’s reflections on the Icon:

  “Andrew Rublev painted this icon not only to share the fruits of his own meditation on the mystery of the Holy Trinity but also to offer his fellow monks a way to keep their hearts centered in God while living in the midst of political unrest. The more we look at this holy image with the eyes of faith, the more we come to realize that it is painted not as a lovely decoration for a convent church, nor as a helpful explanation of a difficult doctrine, but as a holy place to enter and stay within. As we place ourselves in front of the icon in prayer, we come to experience a gentle invitation to participate in the intimate conversation that is taking place among the three divine angels and to join them around the table. The movement from the Father toward the Son and the movement of both Son and Spirit toward the Father become a movement in which the one who prays is lifted up and held secure. . . .
  Through the contemplation of this icon we come to see with our inner eyes that all engagements in this world can bear fruit only when they take place within this divine circle. The words of the psalm, “The sparrow has found its home at last. . . . Happy are those who live in your house” (Ps 84: 3,4) are given new depth and new breadth; they become words revealing the possibility of being in the world without being of it. We can be involved in struggles for justice and in actions for peace. We can be part of the ambiguities of family and community life. We can study, teach, write and hold a regular job. We can do all of this without ever having to leave the house of love. . . . Rublev’s icon gives us a glimpse of the house of perfect love”

  One the things that stood out the most to me was his statement… “all engagements in this world can bear fruit only when they take place within this divine circle.” To me that speaks profoundly to the fact that the Christian life is a supllied life. As we live in communion with the Father, Son and Spirit we are empowered to live a life of serving and loving others.

  What stood out to the rest of you?

  10/26/08 8:04 AM | Comment Link

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  Stacy said...

  2

  While looking at the faces, I saw gentleness and a sense of peace among the three. It is encouraging to me to think that if I were to join them their faces would not change; that I would be just as welcome at the table- that anyone would be.

  10/27/08 10:00 PM | Comment Link

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  admin said...

  3

  stacy,
  how true–that the faces would not change-not matter who finds themselves at the table. i see the picture in a new way because of your perspective. thank you!

  10/27/08 10:28 PM | Comment Link

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  Daran Freund said...

  4

  stacy,

  I love your statement: “While looking at the faces, I saw gentleness and a sense of peace among the three.”

  I have been thinking a lot lately about how life throws so much at us - constantly it seems. I battle so much with fear and anxiety over things. I do all I can to control my circumstances so I can avoid or remove the anxieties from my life. But then, as one stress exits for a while, another one comes around. All this to say that I feel as though God is wanting me to learn how to live within the tension. I need to learn how to live my life - joyfully - day by day, not worrying about what tomorrow might bring.

  The idea of joining in fellowship with a God (the Trinity) where perfect peace can be found is awesome. As I make the choice to join with them at the table I am embraced by a gentle God offering perfect peace. Thanks so much for offering me that image this morning!!

  10/28/08 9:53 AM | Comment Link