Word for the Week

(Click on the illustration above for a larger version of the illumination.)

You'll notice at the top of the sidebar a new entry titled Word of the Week. My plan is to post a new scripture quote each Sunday for our thought and prayer during the week. If you have a favorite scripture (not too, too long!) I'll be happy to consider posting it.

The structure of the illumination above (taken from the St. John's Bible, artwork by Donald Jackson with contributions from Chris Tomlin) reflects the seven-day progression of the Bible's Creation story, with seven vertical strips, one for each day. On the first day, fragmented shapes explode from the primordial void, expressed by the Hebrew words tohu wabohu (chaos). A vertical gold line marks the moment in the story when God ordered, "Let there be light." Day three contains satellite pictures of the Nile Delta, suggesting the division of land and water and the beginnings of vegetation. The creation of human beings on the sixth day is represented by images from aboriginal rock paintings in Africa and Australia. The snake implies dangers to come, in the Garden of Eden. The golden seventh day is given over entirely to the contemplation of the spirit. The raven flying across the composition is the traditional carrier of God's message to Saint Benedict. See the Library of Congress online exhibit of the St. John's Bible here and for more information here.