Beloved and Sent
“Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.”
In this radiant 14th-century masterpiece, “Appearance on the Mountain in Galilee,” by Duccio di Buoninsegna between 1308 and 1311, Christ stands on the left, his hand raised in blessing or instruction, facing his disciples grouped on the right. The entire scene is awash in a golden glow, evoking the divine presence that surrounds this pivotal moment.
Eleven disciples, each with distinct expressions and postures, listen intently to their risen Lord. Their colorful robes - in hues of red, blue, green, and orange - stand out against the luminous background, reminding us of the diverse ways we each receive Christ's call.
The title mentions a mountain, but we see no landscape here. Instead, the figures stand on simple ground, enveloped by heavenly gold. The mountain is Christ himself: the terrain has been dissolved in the golden wash of heavenly inbreaking through the resurrection power. This artistic choice emphasizes the spiritual nature of the encounter, inviting us to focus on the relationship between Christ and his followers.
As we reflect on Jesus’s commission of the Twelve this week, let’s let Duccio's painting inspire us. Just as these disciples stand before their Lord, we too are beloved children of God, called and sent to share His love with the world. May we go forth, like them, bathed in the golden light of God's presence, ready to serve and witness in our daily lives.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
— Ephesians 1:3
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Texts for This Week
Prayer
Let your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of your humble servants; and, that we may receive what we ask, teach us by your Holy Spirit to ask only those things that are pleasing to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the same Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Scriptures
Amos 7:7–15
Psalm 85
Ephesians 1
Mark 6:7–13
Pulchra es amica mea
Ola Gjeilo's "Northern Lights" is a breathtaking choral piece that captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the aurora borealis. The composition's ethereal harmonies and soaring melodies evoke a sense of wonder and transcendence, much like the natural phenomenon it's named after.
The piece is sung in Latin, with text drawn from the Song of Solomon. Its themes of beauty, love, and divine mystery resonate deeply with our spiritual journey. The opening lines speak of beauty and grace, reminding us of the inherent worth we possess as God's beloved creations.
As the music unfolds through its shimmering melodies and rich harmonies, it builds to a climactic middle section before resolving into a peaceful, meditative conclusion. This musical journey mirrors our own spiritual paths - moments of revelation and intensity followed by periods of quiet reflection and growth.
"Northern Lights" invites us to pause and marvel at the beauty of God's creation and the depth of divine love. Just as the disciples were sent out to share the good news, this music sends us forth with a renewed sense of wonder and purpose, ready to reflect God's light in the world around us.
