Happy Easter

Digital Illustration

Matthew 28:1-10

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead,and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Happy Easter!

Lessons & Carols: To Bethlehem

Digital Illustration

Available for digital download

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From The Bidding Prayer:

Beloved in Christ, in this Christmastide, let it be our care and delight to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in the manger.

Transfiguration

8"x10" 

Oil on Panel with Palette Knife

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Luke 9:28-36

Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 

And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became 

dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared 

in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 

Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, 

they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, 

Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, 

one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, 

a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 

Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" 

When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days 

told no one any of the things they had seen.

Love Your Enemies

5x7 

Oil on Canvas Panel

Available

Luke 6:27-38

Jesus said, "I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 

bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, 

offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 

Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them 

again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those 

who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? 

For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, 

what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 

But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. 

Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind 

to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. 

Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, 

pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure 

you give will be the measure you get back."

_______________________

In this Sunday's scripture, Jesus continues to turn the world upside down 

with the call to love our enemies. I recently heard "love" defined as 

"willing the good for the other." (Fr. Mike Schmitz)

This abstract painting expresses the struggle to live out that calling. 

How does the call to love our enemies conflict with our definitions of justice and fairness? 

How does this calling translate in abusive situations?

How much of a difference would living this calling make in today's polarized society?

How different would the world be if we actually loved our enemies? 

Miracle Catch

11x14 

Oil on Panel

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Luke 5:1-11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in 

on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen 

had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one 

belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down 

and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 

"Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, 

"Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will 

let down the nets." When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were 

beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. 

And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, 

he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" 

For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; 

and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. 

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." 

When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Christ Reads from Isaiah

8x10 

Oil on Panel

Available Here

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country.  He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read,  and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, 
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.  Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

The Manger

The Manger

Oil on Panel for 

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Journal

by Ascension Press

Christ is born! In this painting, we see the newborn Jesus on a bed of hay wrapped in cloths. Mary and Joseph create a protective space for Jesus with their bodies as they rest on the hay. Jesus, the light of the world, illuminates the Holy Family against the world’s surrounding darkness. It is a touching, intimate scene of family love.

Interestingly enough, this painting has no manger—no wooden structure of hay like we are accustomed to seeing.  That is because, to God, the entire world is a manger. Our entire world is that dusty, hay-filled box with creatures and animals of all kinds. And yet, God loves us so much, that He humbled himself into our messy existence in order to bring us salvation.

I hope you have enjoyed these meditations over the past few days. May you be blessed by Emmanuel this day and in the year to come.

Merry Christmas!

Advent Delivered

Manger Sunset

Digital Illustration for 

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Video Series

by Ascension Press

Sun goes down. 

Temperatures cool. 
Animals settle. 
Contractions increase. 
The baby is coming!

Body exhausted.
Far from home.
Camped in a stable.
Take a deep breath.
The baby is coming!

Wanted better conditions.
More fit for a king.
God's plan is greater.
Have to dig deep.
The baby is coming!

Promises delivered.
Prayers answered.
Love made flesh.
Pain sharpens.
The baby is coming!

Justice is coming.
Salvation is coming.
God is with us.
Time to push.
The baby is coming!

Advent Unexpected

No Room in the Inn

Digital Illustration for

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Video Series

by Ascension Press

"This was not supposed to happen." Mary may have been thinking that when they arrived at the stable. After their long journey to Bethlehem, they find the city overcrowded with no room for Joseph and his expecting wife. The only place offered to them was a back stable full of animals. This illustration shows the couple inspecting their temporary new home, and the place where the promised Son of God will be born. "Blessed are you..." the angel said months ago to Mary. The stable surely feels a far cry from being "Blessed."

This was not according to the birthing plan, I'm sure. Yet Mary and Joseph did what they had to do. This shows just how strong the two of them were. These conditions prove Mary is not all that meek and mild, but rather the bold woman who sang the Magnificat months before. The social scandal, the journey to Bethlehem, delivering the christ child in a stable—these are all examples of the hardships Mary had to overcome after saying "let it be" to God. In none of these situations would anyone consider themselves "blessed."

Blessed and easy are very different things. Mary is blessed because God is with her. No matter what the world has to throw at her, she can always find strength in God. And that strength will endure a stable birth, a flight to Egypt, parenting the christ child, and ultimately, witnessing that child's suffering and death. 

Mary's strength will eventually pave the way for us all to be "blessed" as well.

Advent Next

To Bethlehem

Digital Illustration for 

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Video Series

by Ascension Press

Almost there. The destination is in sight. Mary and Joseph breathe a sigh of relief. But there is plenty of uncertainty ahead. The city is just as much a wilderness journey for them as the ninety-mile journey it took to get there. Their dependance on God which helped them survive the journey is still required for them to make it through the next few days. 

How often have we overcome one challenge, only to face another? Dependency on God is not for momentary seasons. It is a posture for a life with God. It is a life abundant in ways the world cannot quantify of imagine.

Advent Intimacy

Joseph Listens for Jesus

Digital Illustrations for 

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Video Series

by Ascension Press

One of the sweetest moments during my wife's pregnancy was the privilege to rest my head on her belly and listen for our baby to kick and move. We even had a home device where we could hear the swishing of the baby's heartbeat. I suspect Joseph and Mary had similar experiences. These two images, show an intimate family scene. Joseph rests his head on Mary and listens for Jesus as Mary lovingly runs her fingers through Joseph's hair.

May we also pause to listen for Jesus. God desires intimate prayer with us. God wants a close communion with us, not just a one-sided list of complaints and wants. Relationship is what Emmanuel, "God with Us," is all about. God wants us to come close and listen for the heartbeat of LOVE. God want us to wait, expectantly, to feel the kick, punch and squirm of God's GRACE.

May we strive to draw nearer to God in such ways this season—and always.

Advent Encamped

Mary and Joseph Fireside

Digital Illustration for

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Video Series

by Ascension Press

The ninety-mile trip to Bethlehem was no day trip. It could have taken Mary and Joseph a week to get there. Here we see the holy family encamped for the night. They are tired and hungry. They have given their all for the journey—yet more is required. They might even be getting a little short with each other at this point. After giving so much, they need to be open to receive.

We give a lot of ourselves in these last days of Advent. Work, school exams, church events, shopping, cleaning, concerts, parties, traffic... you name it. It's been a long year and we are tired. We are ready for a break. But the holiday is not yet upon us. We need to be open to receive. Receive God's renewing spirit. Receive grace from another person. Receive gifts of patience and tolerance. We need to rest and eat from what the LORD provides. Only then will we have the strength to cary on in the work of Emmanuel.

ADVENT WIND

Journey to Bethlehem

Oil on Panel for 

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Book and Video

By Ascension Press

With every birth of a new child, parents go through a uniquely powerful journey together. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, anxieties and hopes.  As I imagined Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, I could not help but wonder how their “Birth Journey” might have been like.  I imagined Mary, trying to balance on the back of a donkey while Joseph leads them both through a harsh environment. In this painting, Mary relies on Joseph for support, both physically and emotionally. Joseph walks boldly and steadfast. Internally, however, he may be full of fears and anxieties of his own. Both of them showing their resilience, their trust in God, and the loving support they have for each other.

In this painting there are two, personally, favorite moments. The first one is Mary’s hand on Joseph’s shoulder. It’s such a sweet moment that brings the both of them together in a very loving way. The other moment is the blowing wind. The wind not only alludes to the harsh adversity of their experience, but it also hints to the presence of the Holy Spirit as they journey together.

Advent Embarking

Mary and Joseph Embark for Bethlehem

Digital Illustration for

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Video Series

By Ascension Press

The journey will not be easy. In this scene, Mary and Joseph begin their travel to Bethlehem. Mary appears uncertain and apprehensive, yet trusting. Joseph shows his empathy and support—his hand on her back to keep her steady and comfortable. They are in this journey together. Whatever challenges lies ahead, they will face together. They are traveling out of obedience to the laws of the land. Little do they know, they will be fulfilling prophecy as well.

Advent Change

Joseph Speaks with Mary

Digital Illustration for

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Video Series

by Ascension Press

With Mary being full term, I would suspect that traveling to Bethlehem for a Roman census was the last thing Mary wanted to do. This scene depicts Joseph breaking the news to Mary about the journey they will soon have to endure. There is a tenderness among them that reveals the strength of their love. The journey ahead may be dreadful, but they will endure it together by the strength of faith and love.

We can make the best plans and prepare our homes for holiday festivities, but sometimes life interrupts everything. The fragile lives we think we can control are inevitably subject to the chaos of life. We need to be flexible enough to let go of our plans and react in faith for whatever life throws at us. And we need to be able to share each other's burdens with grace and love for each other.

Advent Unborn

Jesus Hears Mary's Song

Digital Illustration For

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Companion Video

By Ascension Press

Advent is a time of waiting. But we don't wait for just abstract ideas, hopes and dreams. We wait for a person, Jesus. We wait for "God with Us," the Word made Flesh who will laugh with us, cry with us, hold our hands, guide us, and ultimately, save us.

This is a follow-up image from yesterday where Mary sings to Jesus. This image shows Jesus hearing Mary's song. I am so thankful that Ascension Press asked for this image to be rendered. It was a real challenge and I have never really seen anyone attempt to portray the Christ Child BEFORE his birth. Most importantly, working on this picture reminded me of the humanity of Jesus and his total dependency on his family. 

God humbled and poured out in such a way is hard to imagine. I hope this uncommon portrait of Jesus helps you to ponder in that mystery in your own heart—if even for just a little while.

Advent Song

Mary Sings to Jesus

Digital Illustration For

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary 

By Ascension Press

The holiday season is a rich time of singing. Through Advent, I relish the ancient hymns of promise and enjoy the singing of carrols. Even the radio offers channels overflowing with holiday classics new and old to get us all in the Christmas Spirit.

What kinds of songs would expectant Mary have sung to Jesus? Perhaps some of the ancient psalms and songs from scripture. Perhaps inspired original compositions like the Magnificat. I find it helpful to think of Mary singing as I sing the songs of the season. Imagining Mary helps me remember that I am singing to a person, Emmanuel, "God with Us."

During this season, we all sing of hope not yet fully realized and promises not yet fulfilled. But we also sing to Jesus—the Messiah who was and is and is yet to come. Let us raise our voices to Him in hope and joy.

Advent Waiting

Mary Waiting

Digital Illustration For 

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Video Series

Waiting is at the core of the season of Advent. We wait for Christmas. We wait to celebrate Christ's birth. We wait for family to come and visit. We wait for end of the year bonuses or new beginnings in the new year. But in an instant gratification culture such as ours, it is all the more important to wait.

As an expectant mother, Mary waits for all kinds of things. In this illustration, Mary takes a break from daily chores of getting water to wait. She waits for Joseph to come home for the day. She waits for her strength to renew to finish the journey home. She waits for the birth of Jesus. 

Whatever it is that you are waiting for, recognize the importance of the waiting. May we let go of our instant expectations, put down our time-pacifying smartphones and just wait. Let us Trust in God's time and sovereignty in our lives. 

Let us wait. 

Advent Rest

Mary Reclining

Digital Illustration For 

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Companion Video

This was a digital illustration or the Rejoice! series companion video. In this illustration, Mary rests in the morning while contemplating and embracing the Holy child she carries.

The Christmas season is full of hustle and bustle. In addition to our already busy schedules, we cram in gift buying, parties and other holiday traditions. Advent, however, is a time of preparation and waiting. May we never forget to pause and rest during the Advent season. May we take time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

The Visitation

8x10 Oil on Panel

For Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Published by Ascension Press

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women,and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Mary Visits Elizabeth

I like to think of this painting as a baby shower of grace. As Mary and Elizabeth meet, the Spirit of God showers them with gifts of assurance, prophecy, joy, hope, and encouragement. These are exactly the gifts and blessings the two mothers need to carry on towards the challenges that lie ahead.