Who should we blame for the state of the world? We revel in pointing out the proverbial splinter in our neighbor’s eye, believing it is up to us to enforce righteousness in others. But that is only self-righteousness, and not at all aligned with the God-given dignity of any of us. I have fallen into this trap many times. This is why Jesus asks us to first remove the plank from our own eyes. How can I acknowledge the broken heart of another before I can clearly see my own? Where has my own heart been hardened by the brokenness of others? Can I let Jesus heal me first? Can I then bring that healing to others? Can we see we have always been broken together?
Where has my own heart been hardened by the brokenness of others?
Mother Teresa spoke often about the Thirst of Jesus on the cross. In his agony, he “thirsts,” but not just for water…He thirsts for us to come toward him with our needs and offer him our souls. In response, he is ready with “Living Water” to wash away all impurity.
The compassion we accept becomes the compassion we can offer.
In this painting, an adult is embodied in the mountain and holds out an empty cup in hopes of receiving a few drops of hope from bleak skies. Within that same mountain is a child, holding a broken heart in an empty basket, sitting amidst rocks and thorns. The Spirit flows as always through the sunlit center, through the deep waters along the base. But it eludes both child and adult. The child looks up to receive healing from above. These are the “living waters” Jesus can give us when we turn to him with our most broken selves. The compassion we accept becomes the compassion we can offer. The hunger and thirst for righteousness is satiated in community.
This piece is part of my book, “Arise to Blessedness” from Ave Maria Press. Also available on Amazon and Etsy.
“Blessed Are They Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness” • Original painting is 16×20″ and acrylic on wood panel. It is available at The Sacred Art Gallery in Mesa, AZ.
Prints and other gifts are available in my Fine Art America-Pixels shops.
