February 13, 2022 Lectionary Texts — Year C
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1
I Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26
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Trees planted by the water… resurrection… healing… blessing… my mind went quickly to the dreamy ethereal photography I learned of and tinkered with in college – black and white infrared photography. It’s an artistic medium illuminating the mystery and magic found in our natural world but invisible to the naked eye. While we see fantastic color and value, the infrared spectrum of light is radiating in frequencies that is detectable by sophisticated film. Even our best digital cameras do not dabble in the infrared realm. I’m hoping someone will be able to develop a great photo app that will mimic what can be captured on infrared film (there are a few that are close).
I myself happen to have a handful of infrared rolls of camera film hanging out in my fridge. They are not so easy to find these days, so I’ve been saving them for an opportune time. Perhaps I should receive what came to mind this week as a prompt to load up my camera and head out this spring or summer!
The cool thing about capturing the infrared spectrum on film is the bright glow it bestows on plants and trees. Leaves, grasses, stems appear shimmery white – a delightful magical effect in a basic black and white photo.
This week, I have not selected a single image for our lectionary reflection and spiritual seeing practice. Instead, I would like to direct you to an amazing gallery of infrared photographs of trees by Mitch Dobrowner. Here you will find a collection of wonderful images to sit with. Please browse as you contemplate the Scripture passages and question prompts below, or land on the image that most strikes you at first glance for visio divina.
For you to ponder…
Which tree best represents you and your life’s journey?
What in the texts gives you comfort? Where do you see it in the photo/s?
When you reflect on placing your trust in God as the Jeremiah passage mentions, which tree from the photographs is the kind of tree you would most like to be? Why?

God’s blessings follow you and await you at every turn: when you don’t follow the advice of those who delight in wicked schemes, When you avoid sin’s highway, when judgment and sarcasm beckon you, but you refuse. For you, the Eternal’s Word is your happiness. It is your focus—from dusk to dawn. You are like a tree, planted by flowing, cool streams of water that never run dry. Your fruit ripens in its time; your leaves never fade or curl in the summer sun . No matter what you do, you prosper. — Psalm 1:1-3