Generous Hearts, Healing Hands
“Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
In Yoram Raanan's "Mikdash Adom" (Red Sanctuary), we witness a stunning visual metaphor for the transformative power of faith and healing that echoes through our scripture readings this week. The canvas erupts in a blaze of reds, oranges, and golds, reminiscent of the fire that once consumed Raanan's studio, destroying thousands of his works. Yet, like the artist himself who found renewed purpose and vision in the aftermath of destruction, this painting speaks to the resilience of the human spirit when touched by divine grace.
The central golden light in the painting draws our eye, much like the woman with the bleeding condition was drawn to touch Jesus' cloak in Mark's Gospel. This radiant core seems to pulse with life, surrounded by figures rendered in deep reds and purples. In this vibrant sanctuary, we can almost feel the healing energy emanating from the center, touching all who approach with open hearts.
The fluid, abstract forms in "Mikdash Adom" evoke a sense of movement and transformation. They speak to the fluidity of generosity that Paul describes in his letter to the Corinthians, where he encourages giving not out of compulsion, but from a cheerful heart. Raanan's own journey from disillusionment with Judaism to becoming a "contemporary biblical expressionist" mirrors this theme of transformation. His art, born from a deep engagement with Torah study, invites us to see the scriptures with fresh eyes and open hearts.
As we gaze upon this "Red Sanctuary," we're called to reflect on our own journeys of faith and generosity. Where do we see God's healing touch in our lives? How can we, like the figures in the painting, draw closer to the divine light at the center of our existence? Raanan's work, rising from the ashes of loss, serves as a powerful reminder of Deuteronomy's call to open our hands to those in need, trusting in the abundance of God's provision.
In the end, "Mikdash Adom" stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and creativity. It challenges us, like Raanan himself, to find meaning and purpose even in our darkest moments, trusting that God's healing and generosity will light our way forward. As we move through this week, may we carry this image of the Red Sanctuary in our hearts, a vibrant reminder of the transformative power of God's love and our call to share that love generously with others.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
— 2 Corinthians 8:9
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Texts for This Week
Prayer
O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and on earth: Put away from us all hurtful things, and give us those things that are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Scriptures
Deuteronomy 15:7–11
Psalm 112
II Corinthians 8:1–15
Mark 5:22–43
Even when He is silent
In the rich tapestry of Anglican worship, few threads are as enduring and beloved as the Prayer of General Thanksgiving. This prayer, with roots stretching back to 1662, has become a cornerstone of the Daily Office, inviting worshippers to pause and reflect on God's boundless mercies. Now, Liturgical Folk, a collaboration between retired Anglican priest Nelson Koscheski and musician Ryan Flanigan, breathes new life into these timeless words through their musical setting of the BCP 2019 version.
The history of this prayer is itself a testament to the evolving yet constant nature of our faith. Originally penned by Edward Reynolds, Bishop of Norwich, it was first included in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Over the centuries, it has been gently reshaped, its language refreshed while its essence remains unchanged. This prayer, traditionally offered at the close of Morning and Evening Prayer, serves as a capstone to our daily devotions, reminding us of God's "inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ," echoing the themes of God's generosity and healing grace we find in this week's scriptures.
Liturgical Folk's musical rendering of this prayer is a beautiful fusion of ancient and modern. Ryan Flanigan's folk-inspired melody carries the weight of centuries of devotion with a contemporary lightness. The simple, heartfelt tune invites us to not merely recite the words, but to inhabit them fully. As we listen and sing along, we're reminded of Paul's words to the Corinthians about generosity springing from a cheerful heart. This musical setting transforms the prayer from a formal recitation into a personal, heartfelt offering of gratitude.
The collaboration between Koscheski and Flanigan that birthed Liturgical Folk is itself a parable of intergenerational wisdom and creativity. Their partnership, born from an unexpected email and a shared love for liturgical beauty, mirrors the way our faith is passed down and renewed through generations. Just as the woman in Mark's Gospel reached out to touch Jesus' cloak and found healing, Liturgical Folk reaches back through centuries of tradition to touch our hearts anew with the timeless truths of our faith.
As we meditate on this musical prayer this week, let it serve as a reminder of God's constant presence and generosity in our lives. Like the Psalmist who delights in God's commands, may we find joy in offering our thanks. And as we "show forth [God's] praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives," may we embody the healing and generous spirit of Christ in our communities, becoming living prayers of thanksgiving.
