Loading Video . . . Musician Lucas Kwong brings out an edgy approach to interpreting Jude 1:8-13 in his new work. Jude 1:8-13 Florid-A By Lucas Kwong ​ Credits: Written and Composed By Lucas Kwong, 2017 Guitar/bass/vox by Lucas Kwong Drums by David Cornejo Mastered by Dan Coutant Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2017 ​ ​ ​ Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ I wanted to see if I could write a song about false teachers that had a bit of joy in it – funk, really. Joy certainly seems to be the last thing on Jude’s mind, never mind funkiness. We don’t know what exactly these teachers were actually teaching, but we know Jude was mad about it. A few characteristics of their cheatin’ ways stood out as song fodder. They “rely on their dreams,” grandiose visions of the future that, apparently, authorize them to do whatever they want. After all, they alone carry the spark of spiritual greatness! With them alone can true justice be found, the sword sundering sheep from goat! But if you confront them with the violence and greed implicit in their words, suddenly they bat their eyes and do their best John Lennon impersonation: “ You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one… ” (Not calling The Clever One a false teacher, although anyone who holds up “Imagine” as John’s best work is peddling heresy.) They’re just dreamers, you see. Can’t you let a fella dream in peace, and maybe make a few bucks in the process? They’re perfectionists. My wife and I are fans of Anne Lamott’s thoughts on the subject: “ Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. ” Perfectionism means thinking of oneself as artificial intelligence, cleansed of the messiness known as “human nature.” In this case, it’s not enough for these false teachers to be common recipients of grace. They have to be spiritual elites, insulated from the dreary business of learning from their mistakes like everyone else. Mistakes are for plebes. They resemble extreme weather. Roving clouds, wild waves, stars being sucked into cosmic whirlpools. Bring your rain jacket, is all Jude is saying. (This third feature inspired both the lyrics and the musical structure, which aspires to the unpredictability of climate chaos). Enterprising dreamers, spiritual one-percenters drunk on power, avatars of unthinking instinct: suddenly the false teachers don’t sound so ancient after all, nor do we moderns sound so immune to their charms. And yet the best remedy for Satanic wiles isn’t matching gloom for gloom, curse for curse (see archangel Michael’s example). As another flawed recipient of grace, Thomas More, said, “ The devil, the proud spirit, cannot endure to be mocked. ” If being under the thumb of a false teacher is a drag, getting out from that thumb must be a thrill. Writing this song, I couldn’t help but think of the thrill radiating from the music of the podcast Sinner’s Crossroads , a program devoted to the no-frills brilliance of bootleg gospel recordings from the mid-20th century onward. It seemed like the right idiom for calling out self-importance and pretension. As for the central metaphor, there’s a Biblical precedent of Israel using place names to rebuke oppressors, literally putting them in their place: Babylon , Tyre , Rome . For me, this converged with a storied tradition of breakup songs that substitute place names for ex-lovers: Georgia , Memphis , Los Angeles . I have nothing against Florida, but in light of its importance to one of my favorite short stories , its use here was basically inevitable. Get with the flaw! Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Lucas Kwong is a literature professor and musician. When not grading papers and researching Victorian popular fiction, he writes songs and performs around Brooklyn as part of the garage-rock two piece THE BROTHER K MELEE ( www.brotherkmusic.com ). THE BROTHER K MELEE’s releases include the compilation Seek Assembly , the music videos for tracks “ The Brink ” and “ Vengeance ” (compiled from Prelinger Archive footage ), and the single “ Stranger From the Country ,” which was commissioned for Resurrection Park Slope’s 2017 Via Dolorosa exhibition. Lucas’ writing has been published in Religion and Literature , Victorian Literature and Culture , and on Image Journal ’s blog. He lives with his wife in Brooklyn. Website Lucas Kwong About the Artist Lucas Kwong Other Works By Read the lyrics to Florid-A . Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work

Illuminations Gallery (Ex, Genre (Visuals, Writings, Performance, Video, Audio, etc), Passages, Titles, Artists or any other keyword. Artist in Residence 2016, Ebitenyefa Baralaye – Part 3 Romans 9:20-26 Artist in Residence 2016, Ebitenyefa Baralaye – Part 2 Romans 9:20-26 Artist in Residence 2016, Ebitenyefa Baralaye – Part 1 Romans 9:20-26 Winebibber Proverbs 1:10 Word of Mouth Isaiah 55:1-13 The Call Leviticus 3:16 The Cell Philemon 1:12-16 Spaceship Genesis 4:1-15 Terrarium 1 Timothy 2:11-15 Once to Speak of His Brightness Genesis 6:5-9:17 Posh Girls Luke 15:3-7 Rebuild ​ If Obadiah walked the stations of the cross Obadiah 1:2-4 In the Wake of the Storm Isaiah 59:9-11 Family Dinner John 12:1-11 Garments of Praise Leviticus 3:16 Circling the Waist of Wisdom Proverbs 1:8–9 COMMENTARY ON JOEL Joel 1:1-20 A Husband Eavesdrops as His Wife Confides in a Box of Matches 1 Corinthians 14:33 As Waters Cover Habakkuk 1:6-17 Sacred Light Exodus 13:21 Artist in Residence 2019: Lancelot Schaubert Galatians 4:21-5:1 Oil Monster Revelation 13:1-2 Eve's Song Genesis 2:21-24 Caves and Echoes 1 Samuel 24:3-7 Yimbira (Sing) John 16:33 2020 Artist in Residence: Marlanda Dekine Job 10:10-12:8 The Joy and Sadness of Change Ezra 3:11-13 Dragonsmaw Daily | 1 Luke 15:3-7 The Modern Day Queen of Sheba & Queen Esther Proverbs 11:16 Dragonsmaw Daily | 2 Romans 8:29-39 Dragonsmaw Daily | 3 Judges 9:7-21 ULEMU Judges 6:1-18 Questions Luke 18:18-30 He Wept John 11:35 This One 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 Nambala Wani Acts 4:10-12 Weight of the Dark Isaiah 60:2 Give Me a Name Acts 8:26-40 Scapegoat Leviticus 16 Moses and The Commandments Deuteronomy 5:6-22 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today Matthew 28:6-7 The Body without the Spirit | 1 2 Chronicles 7:3-4 The Body without the Spirit | 2 2 Chronicles 7:10 What Wondrous Work Is This John 14:12 John 15:20 John 15:20 Honor Thy Father Exodus 20:20 The Body without the Spirit | 3 2 Chronicles 25:2 Load More

Experience the Bible Illuminated. A modern gallery of honest expression from artists deeply engaged with Scripture. Start Exploring Welcome to this NEW 2024 beta version of our site. Please bear with us as we iron out some minor issues. We hope that you'll check back often – to see the on-going development, and to continue experiencing the Bible through art in your everyday life. The Bible Sparks Inspiration. Enlightenment. Challenge. Interruption. Examination Comfort. Provision. Healing. Satisfaction. Rest. When we encounter it... We listen. We respond. We create. We echo. View Full Gallery In response to Obadiah 1:21, photographer Allison Daniell Moix offers this work as in thoughtful and vulnerable reflection. Obadiah 1:21 A New Language Featured Art View This Art Allison Daniell Moix What Is Illumination? Yesterday's illustrated manuscripts and story-telling stained glass open new avenues of expression to today's culture. Why This Project Matters Melissa, TN "I never imagined something like this could exist. You've transformed how I view my favorite passages." Abby, CA "The discussion and energy that this has generated has been nothing short of phenomenal. I can't tell you what a breath of fresh air this is." John, PA "I've needed something like this for so long to re-ignite my desire and passion for Scripture. The expression of these artists is giving voice to my heart." There are 31,102 verses in the Bible. 28,858 still need illuminated. Our Goal: Illuminate the Whole Bible. Get Involved CONNECT Join our mailing list for news and updates as we grow. CREATE Join our growing list of artists to be selected to illuminate a passage. GIVE We rely entirely on the generous support of our donors. Any amount helps. Donate Today! SHARE Who needs to know about Spark & Echo? Spread the Word far and wide. COPIED! Paste to share in social or email! Copy www.sparkandecho.com Eve's Song Genesis 2:21-24 Caves and Echoes 1 Samuel 24:3-7 2020 Artist in Residence: Marlanda Dekine Job 10:10-12:8 A Clean Heart, O God! Psalms 51:11 Haggai 2 Haggai 2 ALMA No 5 1 Timothy 6:1-21 A Study in Lying Ecclesiastes 4:10-11 Memories Ecclesiastes 9:5-7 Polis Philemon 1:22-25 Artist in Residence 2015: Melissa Beck Exodus 28:1-5 Efforts Galatians 3:1-5 Known and Over-turn Zephaniah 3

Artists In Residence Spark+Echo Artists in Residence spend a year developing and creating a major work in response to Scripture. The progression of their work is documented and displayed throughout, and the final work is showcased. View This Work Memories Nicora Gangi 2013 View This Work Dance Nicora Gangi 2013 View This Work Lies Nicora Gangi 2013 View This Work The Harvest ​ 2013 View This Work Spirit of God-The Spirit Hovering Nicora Gangi 2013 View This Work Fool Nicora Gangi 2013 View This Work Artist in Residence 2015: Benje Daneman Benje Daneman 2015 View This Work Artist in Residence 2015: Christine Suarez Christine Suarez 2015 View This Work Artist in Residence 2015: Don Nguyen Don Nguyen 2015 View This Work Artist in Residence 2015: Melissa Beck Melissa Beck 2015 View This Work Artist in Residence 2015: Jason DaSilva Jason DaSilva 2015 View This Work Artist in Residence 2015: Spark & Echo Band The Spark & Echo Band 2015

Loading Video . . . A classic gets revisited in this musical piece by composer and arranger J.R. Mikels. Mikels composed his rendition of the hymn "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" in response to Matthew 28:6-7 and Luke 24:6-7, expanding on the melody throughout the work. It is performed here by Center Stage Brass for Spark+Echo Arts to celebrate Easter. Luke 24:6-7 Matthew 28:6-7 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today By J.R. Mikels ​ Credits: ​ Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2021 ​ ​ ​ Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ My treatment of ''Christ The Lord Is Risen Today'' was penned while living in Bethel, Connecticut; working as a school bus mechanic helper and staying with a small group that was establishing a Christian mission church in the area. It was first performed publicly for Easter Morning services in 1973 as a ''4 hands'' piano piece in a large gym; always my favorite type of room, acoustically. Later I scored it for Brass or Woodwind Choir. The two Bible references (both interestingly enough verses 6-7) announce the core of the Christian Faith. Without the resurrection, there is no redemption. Growing up, this hymn was very enthusiastically sung in our church only once per year and I always looked forward to it — especially the counterpoint in the 'Alleluias'. When asked to compose an Easter prelude for the mission, setting this melody was an easy choice. No one seems to know who wrote it originally. The ''tune first circulated in 1708 with the Lyra Davidica hymnal, but no composer has ever been acknowledged.'' (Christianity Today Magazine) The piece was recorded for Spark+Echo Arts in 2021 by Center Stage Brass of Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ J.R. Mikels was born In Door County, Wisconsin, and raised on a dairy farm/cherry orchard. He began piano at age 5 and played organ at St. Peter's church. He holds a Music Theory/Education degree from UW Madison with additional studies at Silver Lake College, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He has been an itinerant rock musician, school/private instrumental director/teacher, mechanic, farmer, researcher, recording studio owner/producer, arranger/composer, and currently resides ''in the woods'' near Iola, Wisconsin. Website J.R. Mikels About the Artist J.R. Mikels Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Improvising cellist Matt Turner brings us this haunting piece in response to the theme of "poverty" and two verses from the Psalms. "Two Prayers" is an improvisation for multi-tracked electric cello. The piece consists of two distinct sections with each part representing a prayer, hence the title. Psalms 102:17 Two Prayers By Matt Turner ​ Credits: ​ Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2014 ​ ​ ​ Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ "Two Prayers" is an improvisation for multi-tracked electric cello. The piece consists of two distinct sections with each part representing a prayer, hence the title. The first prayer is one of anguish and questioning. The second prayer is a desperate plea. As a child, I remember reading the Psalms and being drawn to the imagery and colors of each psalm. Concise and powerful, these writings are full and vibrant much like this verse. In this verse, destituteness means more than being poverty-stricken. Here it represents those who are grieving, suffering, or lost, and I have attempted to capture this in "Two Prayers" as a lamentation transforming into resolution. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Matt Turner is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading improvising cellists. Equally skilled as a pianist, Turner performs in myriad of styles and has shared the stage with Cape Breton fiddle sensation Natalie MacMaster, avant-garde musicians Marilyn Crispell, Peter Kowald, Guillermo Gregorio, Scott Fields, and John Butcher, country musician Wanda Vick, singer-songwriter LJ Booth, and jazz musician Bobby McFerrin to name a few and has performed in Canada, Europe and Asia. He appears on over 100 recordings on Sketch/Harmonia Mundi, Nato /Hope Street, Ayler, Illusions, Music and Arts, Accurate, Polyvinyl, Cadence Jazz and others and has recorded with jazz violinist Randy Sabien, goth vocalist/pianist Jo Gabriel, singer-songwriters Mark Croft and Tret Fure, punk artist Kyle Fischer, Kitty Brazelton’s chamber rockestra Dadadah, alt-country band Heller Mason and with the Pointless Orchestra. Turner completed his undergraduate studies at Lawrence University and his Master of Music degree in Third Stream Studies (now the Contemporary Improvisation program) at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Dave Holland, Geri Allen and Joe Maneri, and where he was the recipient of a Distinction in Performance Award. As a leader, Turner’s recordings appear on Illusions, Stellar, O.O. Discs, Asian Improv, Penumbra, Fever Pitch, Geode, Tautology, and Meniscus Records. His music is published by Carl Fischer, Alfred Music, Latham, and Alliance. Turner is a Yamaha Performing Artist, teaches improvisation at Lawrence University and currently performs and records with Bill Carrothers, Randy Sabien, Karmadog and with the Jean-Marc Foltz Trio. (Photo by John Beaver) Website Matt Turner About the Artist Matt Turner Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work

nicora-gangi_east-west-north-south-at-his-table.jpg Loading Video . . . The central light depicted in my work represents a Table laid out in the Universe, alluding to the presence of God in all of His creation and an invitation to all. Extending from and returning to this central light are four differently colored ribbons which represent the Holy Spirit. Luke 13:29 EAST, WEST, NORTH & SOUTH AT HIS TABLE By Nicora Gangi ​ Credits: ​ Curated by: ​ 2017 11" x 14" ​ Collage Primary Scripture They will come from the east, west, north, and south, and will sit down in God’s Kingdom. Luke 13:29 Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ We are all foreigners until we are adopted into God’s kingdom as His children, gathering from the four corners of the earth. The central light depicted in my work represents a Table laid out in the Universe, alluding to the presence of God in all of His creation and an invitation to all. Extending from and returning to this central light are four differently colored ribbons which represent the Holy Spirit. I chose this coloration after drawing upon the colors of a diamond as described in Revelation 4 . In my work, the colors of blue and purple symbolize God the Father (informed by His instructions given to the priesthood in Exodus 28:15 ) while the orange-to-red color refers to the Son of God. This reddish color connects to the pigment of the Sardis** stone, also depicted in Revelation 21:20 by the apostle John. (My piece is further inspired by a similar allusion of all nations coming to God as seen in Isaiah 2:2 .) The visual reference to an urban landscape is banked by strips that sample various foreign languages, again pointing to the expansive and diverse nature of God’s children whom He gathers at this feast in His kingdom. Encircling the ‘table’ is an orb that refers to eternity — a reflection on the nature and being of God, the permanence of our adoption, and the extension of celebration at God’s table. ** In various translations, sardis is alternatively referred to as a carnelian or a ruby. In the Old Testament, Carnelian is the stone in the breastplate of the high priest, as described in Ex. 28:15-20. The New Testament translation of Carnelian is Sardis (or Sardius), as described in Revelation 21:20. “Ruby” is often translated from either of these two gemstones. While the sardis stone has a bit of a different coloration from a ruby — yellow to orange as opposed to red — their hardness is the same and are considered the same stone according to gem experts . Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Nicora Gangi was educated at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA (BFA 1974 and MFA 1976). She was a Professor of Art at Syracuse University for 29 years. Gangi has been awarded many Grand Prize and First Place awards and grants. She has been and continues to be published in numerous artist’s books on pastel paintings. She has lectured regionally and nationally as a visiting artist at universities and artist’s guilds. She is represented by: Edgewood Gallery (Syracuse, NY), and Gangi Studio (Winter Garden, FL ). Website Nicora Gangi About the Artist This One The Body without the Spirit | 1 The Body without the Spirit | 2 The Body without the Spirit | 3 The Sealed Ones Peace with God The Everlasting Protective Love of God Our Father So Shall Your Descendants Be I See Him but Not Now The Mountain of the House of The Lord Paneled and Ruins Series The Harvest Spirit of God-The Spirit Hovering Memories Lies Fool Dance Your Truth from the Great Congregation Psalm 18 Sound of Their Wings Psalm 16 Kiss the Son Nicora Gangi Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Poet Phil Memmer's poem "How Many Shapes Must a God Take?" is a response to Exodus 3:2-4 and the theme of “stranger”. Exodus 3:2-4 How Many Shapes Must a God Take? By Phillip Memmer ​ Credits: Location: Upstate New York Curated by: Hayan Charara 2014 ​ ​ Poetry Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ The offer to work with the Spark and Echo project came at an interesting, complicated time for me… I had not completed a poem in well over a year and a half, and while I was reasonably sure about what sort of poems I wanted to try to write next, I was completely baffled by how to go about it. In my last two books, I had written dozens of poems that used Biblical characters, or addressed a god figure through psalms, in order to explore my own spiritual concerns. At some point in early 2013, it occurred to me that I’d done enough talking to and about god: it was time for me to allow him/her to speak. I identify as an agnostic, but I was raised in an evangelical Protestant family. Oddly enough, though, I spend far more time pondering the nature of the divine now than I ever did in my church-at-least-twice-a-week youth. The Creator is the ultimate “Stranger” when one does not hold a particular faith. This particular tension is what gave rise to “How Many Shapes Must a God Take?” In my own spiritual history, god needed to vanish in order for me to seek him; she needed to be silent if I was to cup a hand to my ear. And while this poem was written more or less in the order it now appears on the page, and took its initial impulse from the “Burning Bush” story in Exodus (along with images from other religious and mythological traditions), I believe I somehow understood its conclusion before I reached it. Upon completing the poem, I felt “the surprise of remembering something I didn’t know I knew,” as Robert Frost once said. I also realized something I hadn’t previously understood about these new poems: that they are not simply poems in which “god speaks”… they are poems in which “god speaks to me.” And while that sounds dangerously like talking to oneself, I hope they move beyond that and speak to others as well. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Philip Memmer is the author of four books of poems, most recently The Storehouses of the Snow: Psalms, Parables and Dreams (Lost Horse Press, 2012). His previous collections include Lucifer: A Hagiography, winner of the 2008 Idaho Prize for Poetry from Lost Horse Press, and Threat of Pleasure (Word Press, 2008), winner of the 2008 Adirondack Literary Award for Poetry. His poems have appeared in such journals as Poetry, Poetry Northwest, Poetry London, Southern Poetry Review, and Epoch, and in several anthologies. His work has also been featured in the Library of Congress’ Poetry 180 project, and in Ted Kooser’s American Life in Poetry syndicated column. He lives in a rural village in upstate New York, and works as Executive Director of the Arts Branch of the YMCA of Greater Syracuse, where he founded the YMCA’s Downtown Writers Center in 2001. He also serves as Associate Editor for Tiger Bark Press. Website Phillip Memmer About the Artist Phillip Memmer Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art How many shapes must a god take to attract your notice? I tried them all View Full Written Work How Many Shapes Must a God Take? by Phillip Memmer Exodus 3:2-4 How many shapes must a god take to attract your notice? I tried them all–- I came as sunlight through clouds, as a moon full and unobstructed, as fire and various things afire. I came as a man bent with age, a woman hardened by war. I came to you as each sort of animal, and as trees, and the lily, and the rose. As a mountain I came to you, as the sea, as stars over vast distances arranged in suggestive shapes. Nothing worked-– though I came to you with three faces, with one hundred hands, a woman’s frown upon the body of a lion, an elephant’s smile on the body of a man. Though I came as wealth and as famine, as thunder and as drought, nothing–-nothing lifted your gaze, though you claimed to seek me. And I despaired… And in my despair I ripped out my hundred arms, tore off my thousand masks, let cool my fires beyond counting. I came to you as darkness and silence. …And you, so enamored of absence: now you see me. Now at last you hear. Close Loading Video . . . How many shapes must a god take to attract your notice? I tried them all Download Full Written Work

Erin Mulvehill Psalm42 3 Loading Video . . . Photographer Erin Mulvehill uniquely considers our Summer 2012 theme, "Water," in response to Psalm 42:3. Erin's work aims to explore the human connections and subtle nuances that whisper into the ear of our every day. We are captivated by the ethereal, tragic implication of Erin's photography, especially in her "to be reborn" series (2012), with its perplexing yet warm imagery. Psalms 42:3 Untitled (Mulvehill) By Erin Mulvehill ​ Credits: ​ Curated by: Charis J Carmichael Braun 2012 24 x 30 inches ​ Film Photography Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ i found this passage very philosophical, which drew me to it immediately. in my visual depiction of the piece i chose to show a blindfolded girl with her arms reaching toward the skies. this gesture can be one of praise and thanksgiving, yet it can also be one of frustration or defeat. I like the ambiguity of this gesture, as I feel the quote itself is somewhat ambiguous in that it has the ability to read quite differently based on one's personal beliefs. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ erin mulvehill is an artist and photographer currently living in brooklyn new york. she is the founder of ‘the camera project’ ( thecameraproject.com ) and is currently represented by the candela project gallery in munich germany ( candela-project.com ). More of Erin’s beautiful work can be viewed online at icanfreezetime.com Website Erin Mulvehill About the Artist Erin Mulvehill Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art ​ View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . ​ Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Ostensibly, this prose poem is a monologue by the Biblical Ruth. A number of different verses could be used as markers e.g Ruth 1: 19, 2:10, 4:13. Ruth 2:6-8 Strange and Stranger Within the Gate By Hannah Main-van der Kamp ​ Credits: ​ Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2014 ​ ​ Poetry Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ Ostensibly, this prose poem is a monologue by the Biblical Ruth. A number of different verses could be used as markers e.g Ruth 1: 19, 2:10, 4:13. As I worked on it I was struck by the way in which Ephesians 3:6 (I was preparing a homily for Epiphany) resonates with Ruth's story. I also refer to Exodus 20:8 for the generosity of the Sabbath day command. In addition I hope to evoke the Magnificat Luke 1:46. Ruth's final words refer, unknowingly, to John 3:15. A stranger and taking on new customs and beliefs, Ruth cannot know anything about the sacrifice of the Prince of heaven. The irony is both bitter and sweet. Ruth thus restates the un-readiness of God's people at the time of the Judges to relinquish the notion of sacrifice though they used animals for the rituals. Yet, she is ready to give her heart and in so doing prefigures the Gospel on two counts: the self-giving of Jesus and the self-giving that is required of all of us. I also hope that at the very opening of this poem the plight of refugees everywhere will instantly spring to readers' minds. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Poet, editor, homilist and reviewer, Hannah Main – van der Kamp teaches reading and writing as spiritual practice. Her published work has appeared since the late sixties in a variety of places including religious, literary and environmental publications. She wrote the poetry reviews for BCBOOKWORLD for eight years. Her latest titles include ACCORDING TO LOON BAY, SLOW SUNDAY ON THE MALASPINA STRAIT and BRIGHT AT BLACK POINT. Her work was included in FORCE FIELD, a recent anthology of BC writers. She contributes to on-line publication including artwayeu. Hannah’s interests include permaculture, meditation, birds, contemporary art and poetry. She is active in the Anglican parish of St David and St Paul in Powell River, B.C., Canada. Website Hannah Main–van der Kamp About the Artist Hannah Main–van der Kamp Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art The ease it was to pass through that gate in spite of my heavy accent and our ragged clothes! We carried no belongings. View Full Written Work Strange and Stranger within the Gate by Hannah Main–van der Kamp Ruth 2:6-8 The ease it was to pass through that gate in spite of my heavy accent and our ragged clothes! We carried no belongings. The villagers tried not to stare. They whispered about us but they knew who we were. Barley harvest was just coming in. There was a good boss man. I got part-time work. The other workers shared their food. It opened my drought-worn heart, the kindness of these people. It was as if I had come from a dung heap but they looked on my lowliness and filled me with good things. What made them so I wondered as I watched carefully; the Israelites have strange customs, all that washing, all those foods they may not eat! We thought we would have to start from scratch but our kinfolk came through for us. Then I met B. The way he said, “Moabitess and “damsel” helped put my grief behind me. If you’ve been to Sunday School, you know the rest of the story. Their God took some getting used to though. When I went out to work as per usual on a Sabbath day, the Bethlehemites stopped me. No they said, no one has to work on the seventh day, not even servants and foreigners, a God-given rule. A day off! But here’s what really convinced me to cleave unto this God. He does not demand the sacrifice of children. I shiver to recall those smoky hill shrines of Moab, the wailing mothers in front of the Baal altars. But here? None of that. When B. and I are blessed with a son, we will not fear the demands of priests and their wrathful god. I am blessed and the generations will call me blessed. May all my children and children’s children receive this mystery of grace, may they show it to heirs and to strangers. They will not die but live, our first-born and his son after him and so on for generations. Heavens! There will be no sacrifice, not even of an only begotten, not even if he were a prince. I ponder on this mercy, my soul magnifies this God! Close Loading Video . . . The ease it was to pass through that gate in spite of my heavy accent and our ragged clothes! We carried no belongings. Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . This fantastic and unsettling creative piece from author Jeff Martin responds to Titus 1:5-14; 2:9-15; 3:8-14. Titus 3:8-14 Titus 2:9-15 Titus 1:5-14 Slow Belly By Jeff Martin ​ Credits: ​ Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2018 ​ ​ Creative Writing Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link ​ Poor Titus. Think about what he’s been asked to do in this letter – find job candidates who are not only holy and just, but who are also blameless (“a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God”). It’s a tall order at best, a laughable one at worst, since how many people can say unequivocally that they’re entirely without blame? It got me thinking about what that job application would look like in our HR-driven modern era, and the fact that the very first question would necessarily have to be, “Are you blameless?” The other requirements are equally demanding: Are you holy? Are you just? Are you righteous? In other words, exactly the kinds of questions that the truly holy, just, and righteous would probably never answer yes to. It was both interesting and frightening then to write a story about someone who would answer yes to those questions and fully believe he was in the right in doing so. I say "frightening" because it strikes me that it's precisely this reaction – assumed, but unexamined, righteousness – that's brought our political discourse these days to a full stop, a stop the vast majority of us, myself included, are likely complicit in. Political sentiments aside (if that can be done these days), it’s a strange story for sure. What I wanted the narrator to have the experience of, but never understand – the understanding is for the reader – is that he can believe himself to be holy and just all he likes, but God is still going to remain maddeningly mysterious, maddeningly unexpected, always near, always far. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection ​ Jeff Martin co-directs the UVA Young Writers Workshop and has been published in New England Review , Alaska Quarterly Review , and No Tokens Journal , among others. Find more of his work online at readjeffmartin.com . Website Jeff Martin About the Artist Winebibber Jeff Martin Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art Bishopric Application Posting Number: 19213 Are you blameless? View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Bishopric Application Posting Number: 19213 Are you blameless? Download Full Written Work