The Supper at Emmaus by Matthias Stom; ca. 1633-1639 Doubt, division, and distortion are among the various words often used to describe the journey of the two disciples whom Jesus met as they were on their way to Emmaus. In the Gospel of Luke, we read that the two were conversing and debating. Doubt often brings about a sense of division. At times, doubt creates an internal division between our mind and heart. The internal division we experience can further cause external division and...

The Holy Family at Table, 17th century, made in Spain While the painting of the Holy Family at Table is a vivid representation of the importance of the family as the basic cell of society, here, we also receive a profound invitation: to heal our family wounds, which shed light on our identity. Jesus, who sits at the center, invites us to enter into the brokenness of our family. A subtle detail reveals this invitation: the uncovered bread placed before Jesus. While the loaves before Mary and...

Icon of St. Philip the Apostle by Cecilia Lawrence. Website: deviantart.com In a previous reflection, I mentioned that Cecilia Lawrence wrote an icon of our congregation's founder. Here, she depicts St. Philip the Apostle holding a basket of loaves and fish, the book of the Gospels, and a cross -- the instrument of his martyrdom. These objects embody Philip’s journey from being shown who God is to knowing who God is. In John 14:7, during the Last Supper, Jesus says, “If you know me, then you...