Saint John's Bible

During the Fall 2021 semester, the Clark Library and Campus Ministry are collaborating to change pages of The Saint John’s Bible. Each week someone from these campus units will select a new page for the display. Check back to see what’s new!

This week’s image is Pillars of Wisdom, Donald Jackson, Copyright 2006, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. See also this Saint John’s Bible blog post from 2013.

(John 20: 1-23)

Death has lost the battle because Christ has risen victoriously. In this image of Jesus’ resurrection we find that Jesus is not the main focal point. Mary Magdalene, who was the first to receive the message of the resurrection, is highlighted. Another important detail to discover is that instead of seeing the face of Christ, his back is turned towards us. These two details bring up important messages of the resurrection. Just as Mary is highlighted in the image, we can come to know that the resurrection is not only proclaimed in Jesus Christ, but also in us. As believers we behold the glory of the resurrection in our words and actions. Going back to the words of John Paull II, “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” We are called to bring this message of hope, love, and forgiveness to all people.

As graduation approaches, how can this message of Easter speak to us? We can be reminded of the hope we are given because of the resurrection. So often we succumb to the tomb of our sins, or our heart has become so hardened and sealed with complacency. Christ comes to give new life; a life of joy. Even though many uncertainties lie ahead of us, we are assured that we are called to more. We are also reminded to continue to be a people of hope. Bringing hope of new life to those who feel dead, to those who have lost their way, and to those who find themselves on the margins in our society.

This commentary was contributed by James Gumataotao, a senior Theology major and a member of the Library’s Research Desk team.

(Ezekiel 37:1-14)

The Valley of the Dry Bones offers perspective as we continue to delve deeper into our season of Lent. For Catholics, and other Christians who celebrate this solemn season, fasting, prayer, and service are three major pillars. For many, living out these pillars is not an easy task. There are many temptations and struggles, but these practices are not made to make us suffer. They help us every day to learn more about who we are, and what has become “gods” in our lives.

This image comes at a perfect time, a time when in our journey we can feel dry and empty, like all our sacrifices are useless or the struggle has become too hard. One can also realize how dead we have become, falling into ways where we are not necessarily living our true authentic self. The bright colors that run across the top represent hope. Hope in the struggles and trials of our own realities, a hope that goes beyond death. Along with the golden squares throughout the image, these represent the presence of our creator God. One can also see that even among the dry bones we find these squares; not only does God have power over death but, even in death God is present. Let this image remind us of the call that echoes not only through these days of Lent, but every day. A call to be a people of hope, bringing this hope to everyone we meet, especially the poor and marginalized in our society. A call to be present to one another, even in the midst of death.

This commentary was contributed by James Gumataotao, a senior Theology major and a member of the Library’s Research Desk team.

(Luke 7: 36-50)

Jesus’ encounter with the sinner in the Gospel of Luke calls us to look beyond the words we read and hear. As one gazes upon this image it is easy to get lost, forgetting facts that give this story its richness. Biblical scholar Joseph Fitzmyer points out that:

“This scene is one of great episodes in the Lucan Gospel, for it depicts Jesus not merely defending a sinful woman against the criticism of a Pharisee, but drives home in a special way the relationship between the forgiveness of sins (by God) and the place of human love and the giving of oneself in that whole process.”^[1]

When we look upon this image it is easy to see that the image is divided into two. On one side, we have the woman as the “sinner.” This side is chaotic, unorganized, and unfocused. On the other, we see tidiness and clearly rendered objects. Some argue that this image is a depiction of an encounter with the unholy and the holy. The words of Christ appear in the middle and mediates between the two sides. One could argue that Christ in this event radically changes the status of women in this society. Instead of preaching forgiveness, some scholars argue Christ comes to preach restoration. Rather than rejection of sinners, Jesus shows inclusive hospitality. He restores the woman back to community, as he releases her from rejection and oppression. As Jennifer English writes:

“Once again our failure to understand Jesus’ words results in our inability to see. Jesus does not call his disciples only to an attitude of service or the ideal of humility; he calls them to service that actually stoops down to help another and humility that is embodied and expressed relationally.”^[2]

[1] Joseph Fitzmyer, The Gospel According to Luke: Introduction, Translation, and Notes (Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1981), 686.

[2] Jennifer A. English, “Which Woman? Reimagining the Woman Who Anoints Jesus in Luke 7:36-50,” Currents in Theology and Mission 39, no. 6 (2012): 435-441.

This commentary was contributed by James Gumataotao, a senior Theology major and a member of the Library’s Research Desk team.

 

Mary’s Magnificat, also known as Mary’s song, is a beautiful song the young handmaid of the Lord recited when she visited her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth herself was pregnant with John the Baptist. As we gaze upon the words in the simple imagery, let us bring to mind who Mary was. Catholics around the world share in one way or another a great devotion to the Mother of God. She is often seen as a queen, gentle, humble, and quiet. While all these qualities are true, I want you to imagine Mary of Nazareth. A young woman who faced trials and joys. Imagine the feelings she first had when the Angel appeared to her revealing that she was chosen to be the Mother of God.

Many scholars would agree that these words that come from Mary’s mouth are the first direct characterization of God in the gospel of Luke. We can look at the words written in gold as a way of understanding Mary’s experience of God. That she was lowly and God raised her up. God is one who fills the hungry with good things. This is how Mary experienced God. The letters written in gold should set a reminder for us, that is through our experiences of our encounter with one another and creation, we come to encounter God who is found in all things. We must also remember that “Mary is truly our sister” as Pope Paul VI would say. She reminds us with her words that God is ever mindful of the mercy promised. At the same she teaches us to be bold and courageous in our life of faith.

This commentary was contributed by James Gumataotao, a senior Theology major and a member of the Library’s Research Desk team.

One of the most memorable quotes when I think of the birth of Jesus is “Christ was born in an animal trough to be food for the world.” I don’t remember who exactly said this, but it was a part of a sermon I heard at a midnight mass.

Even though we are in this season of preparation, we know looking at this image that Christ is born. Ponder this image of the Birth of Jesus and realize that God became flesh, partaking in our own humanity. Jesus Christ was born into this world, between an ox and a donkey, laid upon the hay on which they fed.

Darkness spreads throughout the page while the middle is a solid gold strip. As we gaze on this gold strip let us remember that even though Christ partakes in our humanity, he still is divine. As Mary, Joseph, the angels, and Shepherds gather around the animal trough where the invisible God lies vulnerable, let us remind ourselves of the love that brings our family together this Christmas and holiday season. If a person has truly entered into this Christmas or Holiday season, they are aware that we do not live in a world of perfect harmony. Our world is dark, broken, and many times unfair, especially to the most vulnerable among us. No matter how dark our lives may become, no matter how hectic the storms in our life can get, or no matter how empty we may feel, it is this love that we can count on, knowing that it is born in the deepest abyss of our hearts. Let the love which we receive and share motivate us to continue to love at all times, making the birth of Jesus visible for others.

This commentary was contributed by James Gumataotao, a senior Theology major and a member of the Library’s Research Desk team.

As we continue to venture into this time of preparation for the coming of the Messiah, we must understand the invitation this season offers. In this image titled the Baptism of Jesus, we see that the focus of this image is not Jesus but John the Baptist. Sink writes “Notice his hands and his feet. He moves, and he gestures in invitation, even as he looks back.” (Sink Vol. 1, pg. 62)

Here the figure of John the Baptist invites us into this season of hope. John preached the coming of the Kingdom of God; this is the message he was given to proclaim. The image reminds us of the message we are also called to proclaim: The message of hope! Hope for all people in our world. How do we proclaim this message? To proclaim this message of hope, we must be hope for others, through our words and actions standing by the side of those who are alone in their suffering.

As this season of preparation continues and we ready our hearts and homes to be in the spirt of the season, we must also remember that the hope we celebrate is not meant just for us to keep. This hope is meant for us to give, just like the message which John proclaimed. Yet, this image is also a reminder for us that in this time of preparation, we must remind ourselves of the hope that lies within us.

The “Baptism of Jesus” illumination will be featured in a Visio Divina session on Wednesday, December 7, at 12:45 p.m. in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. This Advent prayer opportunity is sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Garaventa Center.

This commentary was contributed by James Gumataotao, a senior Theology major and a member of the Library’s Research Desk team.

(Isaiah 7:14-17; Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7; Isaiah 11:1-9)

This picture along with the title Messianic Predictions gives the observer the popular view of the Messiah prior to and during the time of Jesus. The Messiah was predicted to be a great king and mighty warrior who would restore God’s people to their righteous place. As we look at this image let us focus on the different movements and pay attention to the way it moves from dark colors to bright and vibrant colors, expressing the Messiah’s predicted powers.

As some of us enter into this season of advent or preparation towards Christmas, this image reminds us that the Messiah comes into a busy and constantly moving world, a world made of different people coming from all different walks of life, people with different stories to tell. The busyness of this image could also represent our lives, especially during this season where our schedules may not allow us time to enter and be present in the moment. The colors moving from dark to light remind us of the hope which the Messiah brings. The Messiah comes to restore life to the darkness in world and in our lives.

At the bottom of this image is written Immanuel, or “God with us.” As we prepare ourselves to welcome the Messiah, let us be living predictions of the Messiah for others. Let us be more present and aware to others, especially those who seem to be forgotten or unwanted. It is through our being present with others in their darkness, that they can recognize the life to which they are called. It is through actions like this that one can recognize Immanuel. Once we can recognize that God is truly with us, we in turn can go forth bringing that same hope, that same love, and that same peace to those who cry out each night “Maranatha,” frequently translated as “Come, Lord!”

The “Messianic Predictions” illumination will be featured in a Visio Divina session on Wednesday, November 30, at 12:45 p.m. in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. This Advent prayer opportunity is sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Garaventa Center.

This commentary was contributed by James Gumataotao, a senior Theology major and a member of the Library’s Research Desk team.

The typical images associated with this parable are the dry and rocky soil, the soil with weeds, and the good soil; in this illumination artist Aidan Hart draws our attention to the head of the sower and clothes which he wears. The clothes worn by the sower are not the clothes of a middle aged male Jew living in Nazareth, nor are they the typical contemporary outfit for a person scattering seed. The clothes are ones we can identify, maybe even wear.

Because we can identify with the sower, it is safe to assume that this illumination is calling us to take on this role. Believers have received the Word of God, and many have also partaken in the banquet of Christ’s body and blood. Christ has sown his word and nourished his flock, and like the good soil they must become a place for these seeds to grow. How to help the seeds grow? By going forth to become God’s word in the dark and broken world. Going forward and being nourishment for others by becoming the hands and feet of Christ through our words and actions. All of us, believers and non-believers, can be like Christ and walk and stand on the same soil to sow the seed, standing with those for whom the soil or hard concrete has become their bed or the only source of income they receive. Christ must be our inspiration and model. Instead of thinking that helping others is stooping to their level, we can take inspiration from Christ who lived with, served, and listened to the cry of the marginalized in his society. Christ’s mindset leads us to truly encounter and interact with the lives we so often neglect. The image displayed today echoes a unique call to believers in any tradition.

This commentary was contributed by James Gumataotao, a senior Theology major and a member of the Library’s Research Desk team.