Once again, APC members share their artistic talents and
faithful visions. Please take a moment to pause at the niches in the narthex to
view Sam Elkind's photography and Mary Busman's water color painting.
The
Rooster
by Mary Busman
The Silver Dorking rooster
represented in the painting is an ancient breed believed to have existed during
the time of Julius Caesar. Sources reveal that the Romans introduced them as
they colonized territories conquered by their legions. The proud, haughty appearance
of the rooster may have reminded the subject people of the Roman soldiers.
Early Christians upon viewing the birds
might have shared this viewpoint, but also would have been reminded of Simon
Peter’s denial of his Lord. Before the cock crows, you will have denied
me three times (NRSV John 13:38).
Present day Christians are not so
different from the early believers. We too, associate a rooster and its
crowing, with denial. Aware of our human frailty, we share much with Peter. It
is with gratitude that we continue reading in John and hear Jesus say to the
Disciples, Do not let your heart be
troubled, Believe in God, believe also in me (NRSV John 14:1).
Each morning, about an hour before
sunrise, the Silver Dorking rooster heralds the arrival of dawn. Boldly it
announces a new day, serving as a call to confession for Christians and the
promise of redemption.
Sheep in Light
and Shadow
by
Sam Elkind
This image recalls
the passage from The Gospel of John, Chapter 21, when the resurrected Jesus reveals
himself at breakfast to the disciples on the beach of the Sea of Tiberius
When they had finished eating,
Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you
love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I
love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed
my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that
I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take
care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him
the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed
my sheep.
As
sheep of the Lord, we seek to live in the light, not the shadows.
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Readers of
the Gospel of John have wondered why Jesus repeated his question to Peter "do
you love me" three times. Commentators have observed that Peter's betrayal
happened three times. Perhaps Jesus is offering forgiveness in equal measure,
as he reclaims Peter's discipleship.
