A good Lenten reminder!
Am I my brother’s keeper?
When I give tours at the Metropolitan Art Museum in New York, I like to stop by this paining and not say a word. Eventually, someone asks, “What’s this painting about?”
Most people do not see what’s going at first or even second glance. Surprisingly, some people never see it until you tell them the title of the painting, and even then, some still don’t see what is going on.
View original post 552 more words
Perpetual Learner 
This is a great reminder for us lapsed but still loyal Catholics at this very special time of year. Thank you! And I hope life is treating you well. 🙂
You’re welcome! Yes, life is treating me rather well, thanks be to God!
Matthew, thank you for this. I read Biltrix’s original in its entirety and am very moved by his explanation of what I now see is an amazing painting. As I’m sure you’ve surmised, I’m a Humanist since my 20s (It’s a fairly short but heartfelt story. The terms non-believer and Atheist seem so soulless…); but maybe because I was raised and schooled in the (Episcopal) church, religious imagery and symbolism go straight to my heart, still. Nami and I went to the final days of the “Rembrandt the Etcher” exhibit at the MFA, and I was surprised and pleased by how much I related to his biblical etchings, and how they took a “shortcut” straight to my deepest self. I suppose I believe wholeheartedly in the man Jesus’ teachings and humanity, while being profoundly disillusioned by manunkind’s sordid history, governments, and miserable attempts to “organize” religion and use it as an excuse for sin and barbarism. I miss listening to your homilies, however I am more happy for you in your new voyage of discovery. Thanks for crossing so many of our paths up in little Gloucester. I hope you don’t abandon your WordPress blog altogether. Keep enjoying and sharing, I’m really proud to know you, you know. Your friend, Rick
Hi, Rick! Thank you for sharing these thoughts and experiences with me. I can understand where you are coming from. I loved my time in Gloucester and hope I can get back up to visit this summer! Thank you for your friendship and support. I have been blessed to meet you and so many other extraordinary people on Cape Ann. I’ve been thinking a bit about whether or not to continue the blog; I’ll count your commentary as a vote in favor…
And I should mention that the authors at Biltrix are all good friends and former colleagues of mine.