And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. – Luke 24:49
Have you ever prayed with sacred art before? Visio divina is the practice of “divine seeing.” We practice lectio divina, or “divine reading,” when we slowly read and prayerfully meditate on sacred Scripture. In the same way, we can encounter Jesus by prayerfully reflecting on sacred images. I’ll walk you though it this week as we consider how the Ascension of Jesus and Pentecost (next week!) are related.
Here’s the sacred image we will use to meditate on: The Descent of the Holy Spirit by Titian. This piece, also known as Pentecost, is located in the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice, Italy. The painting is a large oil on canvas piece, dating back to 1546.
I chose to focus on a painting that depicts Mary and the apostles almost “bathing” in the light that is shining forth from the Holy Spirit. They seem to be being “clothed with power from on high” that Jesus speaks of in our Gospel passage for this Sunday (Luke 24:46-53).
Encounter the Artwork
- To begin praying with this sacred work, make the sign of the cross. Take a few deep breaths to settle and focus. Ask the Holy Spirit to come to enlighten you: Come, Holy Spirit, bring me Your light.
- Take in the painting as a whole. Just take a moment to rest in the beauty of the entire image. Notice the elements, the colors, the interplay between light and dark. Take note of what you find beautiful.
- Look away for a few moments, and then look back at the image and notice the first thing that you see. Now, hold your attention on this element. Simply gaze at this part of the painting. Perhaps it is the radiance of the dove, depicting the glory of the Holy Spirit. Or maybe it is Mary’s face as she receives the grace of God pouring over her.
- Now pull back from it a bit and let your eyes wander over the image. Start at the top left corner and then scan back and forth over the image, as if you are “reading” it. Look for small details, patterns, and facial expressions. Notice any elements you missed before. Take note of things that stand out to you.
Reflect on the Artwork
- Notice any feelings or affections that stir in you as you encounter the painting. What does your heart say?
- Notice any questions or thoughts that stir in you as you encounter the painting. What does your mind say?
- How is this painting speaking to you? It could speak to you in words, or perhaps without words. What do you hear?
- If you wanted to describe this painting to someone else, how would you summarize it into one or two sentences?
- Thinking back on the parts of the painting that caught your attention or moved you, why do you think you were drawn to that particular detail or element?
- Did any memories flash through your mind as you encountered the artwork?
- Reflect on how God is speaking to you through your thoughts, emotions, and memories as you reflect on this painting.
- What gift does Jesus wish to give you through your feelings and memories?
- What questions are lingering as you consider this painting?
- What virtue does He wish to offer you? Hope? Courage? Boldness?
- Do you sense an invitation from God?
Encounter the Lord in the Artwork
- Look again at the painting as a whole. Imagine you are there in the scene. Mary and the Apostles surround you. The Holy Spirit descends and His glory envelops you all. The room is filled with the sounds of wind and power and the holy awe of the apostles. Take a few minutes to use your Gospel imagination to enter into the scene. What do you hear, see, and sense around you?
- Try imagining that you are being bathed in God’s light, clothed with the power of the Holy Spirit. What does this feel like? Is it a physical sensation, or is it something different?
- Call to mind any insights you gained from reflecting on the painting. How is God speaking directly to you through this work of art? How does He want to touch your heart?
Finish this visio divina practice by taking a few moments of silent prayer. Allow Jesus to continue to speak to you. Consider making a resolution based on any invitation or insights that you received from God. Thank Him for any insights He offers you and for the gift of art, the artist, and His Holy Word.