Reading Gen. 18: 1-8
We live in a visual world …an age where we look at screens for both business and pleasure – cell phones, tablets, computers, TVs. Research has shown that
- 83% of what we learn is through sight
- 11% - through hearing and only
- 6% through other senses!
Never before have had so much Visual stimuli so it is not surprising that over the last 30-40 years there has been a growing interest in value of icons in our Western Churches – icons loved & treasured by Eastern Orthodox Churches for over 1000yrs
This evening we are looking at famous ancient icon, Rublev’s Trinity Icon possibly one of oldest icons still in Moscow. It was painted by Andrei Rublev around 1408/1410, in honour St Sergius of Radonesz.
St Sergius (1360-1392) dedicated his life to the Holy Trinity and worked diligently to proclaim to all people and churches, that through contemplating the Holy Trinity, they would conquer divisive hatred in the world (Printout by Anna –Marie Bands, iconographer)
Icons were used Eastern Orthodox churches depicting people, apostles, and saints as a beautiful way of teaching doctrine to many people who were illiterate
They were ‘painted’ on wood, but the work is so deeply Spiritual that you refer to writing an icon (rather than painting one)
Iconography is a visual language & can be heard in one way: by remaining still & prayerfully before the image. For me, this resonates with Ps. 46:10(Be still & know that I am God)
There are two themes portrayed in Rublev’s icon –
- The Angels visiting Abraham & Sarah
- The Holy Trinity
They both speak of hospitality and inclusivity.
Angels visit Abraham & Sarah:
Three strangers had arrived! Under oaks of Mamre, Abraham hurries to entertain these travellers. It is the hottest time of day (maybe Abraham + his family were resting from the harsh noon-day heat) – yet servants are called + a feast is prepared. Abraham would have washed the feet of the hot tired travellers (see raised on stools in the icon).
His hospitality reminds us to always show hospitality – sometimes not convenient-
We are told in Scripture that “some have entertained angels unawares…”
In the heat of desert Abram’s tents would be an oasis. Imagine travelling for days in heat wind and sand…Here you could stop and rest, find water…This could even be life-saving!
In Judaic law, a stranger was viewed as God sent à Judaic law taught hospitality
We are sharply reminded of Christ – a stranger in this world:
“Foxes have dens, and the birds of the air have nests, but the son of man has nowhere to rest his head”.
Yet, as a stranger in this world Christ practiced hospitality to all – esp. to the poor
He invited 5000 people to a picnic of bread and fish. He invites us all to share at the Eucharistic table
The Trinity:
Let’s look at the icon again – It is called Rublev’s TRINITY icon, because the 3 angels in the Abraham story are also depicted as the triune God – the trinity.
As we gaze at this triune picture of hospitality, 3 figures gazing at each other in love. At the front there is a place set for you and me - An invitation to share the hospitality in generosity and love.
There are many themes and messages in the colours and shapes used and beautiful books available for further research. We can discover a hexagon shape holding the triune God together as one, which is very pertinent to me and some of our Patchwork group that are here tonight!
I want to touch on the rectangle shape Michelle referred to last night
There are 4 points of rectangle, representing the 4 points of compass. People in those times believed that the earth was flat.
Isa. 11:12: the dispersed will be gathered from 4 corners of the earth
In Gen 28:14/ Acts 3:5 we are told through Abraham all families of the earth will be blessed.
We are talking hospitality and inclusivity
We are ALL one in Christ Jesus. We are all invited – our place has been set and is waiting for us at Christ’s table at the table of the Holy Eucharist.
As we share in the fellowship at the Lords table, we are reminded through this icon, of hospitality to all – of inclusivity for all – of fellowship and love.
We have been reminded in our Lenten series of our own mortality, our small short lives –and now we bring our focus back to God, to Christ’s promise that through his death we share in his resurrected life.
We are invited to a place the Lord’s Table… (Our place has been set)
We are invited as individuals –each precious person, who God knows and loves
We are invited in community (body of Christ) as part of this holy family (and in the communion of saints)
… to be seated at the Lord’s table where all are welcome, loved and cherished. Amen.
Susan Elliott
References:
Brand, Anna-Marie. 2017 Hand out ICON OF THE HOLY TRINITY
Castle. Tony. 2002. Gateway to the Trinity. Meditations on Rublev’s icon. Kildare: Bookcraft, Midsomer Norton
Guenther, Margaret, 1994. Holy Listening. The Art of Spiritual Direction. Cambridge: Darton, Longman + Todd
Snyman. Desiree. 2008. In the Gaze of God. Living Rublev’s Trinity Icon. Kempton Park. Acad SA
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