DAY 2: May 19th
Ruth 1.8-17 < http://goo.gl/YF6sQ>

Belonging – ‘Your people shall be my people, and your God my God’.

http://goo.gl/TAYjL

‘Naomi Entreating Ruth and Orpah to Return…’ (19^th c.), William BLAKE

William Blake (1757-1827) shows Naomi at the bitter end of her resources. Widowed and bereft of her sons, she shows her open hands and grief-stricken face, revealing that she has nothing to give her daughters-in-law. She has to summon all her strength to release them to their families, and expecting nothing in return. But although the bowed postures of both girls are similar, Ruth bends towards Naomi and clings to her while Orpah, equally bent in grief, strides away.  Naomi finds comfort and the promise of a new family is born.

DAY 1 - May 18^th

Genesis 18:1-8 <http://goo.gl/hJPzT>


Reverencing – ‘Abraham bowed down to the ground’. http://goo.gl/BkbPi

‘Abraham and Three Angels’, Marc CHAGALL (20^th c.)

Marc Chagall (1887-1985) uses rich, sensuous primary colours to portray Abraham and a somewhat resentful Sarah extending traditional middle-eastern hospitality to three winged strangers. We see them busy tucking into their feast. Above the ordinary activities of serving and eating, there is extraordinary heavenly power everywhere – angels lingering, other divine appointments happening or waiting to happen.  The Bible text makes it clear that one of the “strangers” is the LORD himself: Chagall sets him apart by a halo and strong yellows and blues. The powerful encounter ends with healing for Sarah and the promise, at last, of the appearance of the long-awaited son.

Nine Days of Prayer 2012: Hospitality

Friday May 18th to Saturday May 26th

Between Ascension and Pentecost

Each of the nine days will be accompanied by theological reflection on the artworks below and the theme of HOSPITALITY. Watch this space...

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9