Today we remember one of Sistertech’s favorite artists, the masterful Russian iconographer, Andrei Rublev (d. 1430)
You’ve probably seen this one. It’s my favorite of his icons: The Holy Trinity. It’s based on Genesis 18 and the angles who visit Abraham.
It’s not as though I need icons! I mean what’s the point of being an angel if you can’t see the real thing! But to tell you the truth, I have a lot of them around my office here. The lesser creatures have religious sticky notes scattered about; you can always tell a being by the spiritual “prompts” it has. I say, “Go for the good stuff” and get yourself a Rublev.
When Sistertech looks at these icons, sometimes she enters the scene, sometimes she contemplates the great faith of the saints depicted. The ones with The One In Charge are especially powerful reminders of the words we read today from Psalm 62.
6He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7On God rests my deliverance and my honour;
my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
8Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Selah
9Those of low estate are but a breath,
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
Henri Nouwen and Rowan Williams – get your glasses on folks! Rowan, not Robin! – have very good books on icons. Bottom line: they’re not just for the Orthodox. Give ’em a try.
Henri Nouwen’s Behold the Beauty of the Lord: Praying With Icons
Rowan Williams’ Ponder These Things: Praying With Icons of the Virgin
