April 15, 2022 Lectionary Texts — Year C
Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12
Psalm 22
Hebrews 10:16-25
John 18:1 – 19:42
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It is Good Friday. As stone is rolled over the mouth of the tomb, we stand at the door flung wide open to mystery.

The moth has received shadow details and a wing pattern in black. I do not wish to expound on the inspiration behind this progress. I shall reserve that for when the piece is completed. For now, see what comes on your own. Follow the visio divina guide as you explore and study:

1. View the artwork
   What do you see?
   Note shapes – color – style – movement
   What stands out for you?
   What are you curious about?
   What questions do you have?
   Hold back any feelings – judgments – opinions
2. Read the accompanying scripture and look over the artwork again
   What connections do you make?
   Between the image and text?
   What is coming to mind from your own experience?
   What feelings are rising in you?
   Are you uncomfortable with something?
   There are no right or wrong answers
3. Read the scripture again and explore the artwork a third time
   What do you hear?
   What is God saying to you?
   What do you wish to speak to God?
   What blessing or prayer is rising in you?

It is hard to understand why God would crush His innocent Servant. But it is in His suffering for sin that God deals decisively with sin and its harmful effects. Yet the Eternal One planned to crush him all along, to bring him to grief, this innocent servant of God. When he puts his life in sin’s dark place, in the pit of wrongdoing, this servant of God will see his children and have his days prolonged. For in His servant’s hand, the Eternal’s deepest desire will come to pass and flourish. As a result of the trials and troubles that wrack his soul, God’s servant will see light and be content Because He knows, really understands, what it’s about; as God says, “My just servant will justify countless others by taking on their punishment and bearing it away. Because he exposed his very self— laid bare his soul to the vicious grasping of death— And was counted among the worst, I will count him among the best. I will allot this one, My servant, a share in all that is of any value, Because he took on himself the sin of many and acted on behalf of those who broke My law.” — Isaiah 53:10-12