 "Last Supper" by Sieger Köder. Prints available at https://www.paulineuk.org Being Holy Week, let's allow the art of German priest and artist, Sieger Köder (1925-2015), to lead us in meditation. "The Eucharist" or "Communion Table" is the subject for these two paintings that will receive our contemplative gaze. Look closely at the first, depicting Jesus and his disciples at the Last Supper found in Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 13. Look: What or who catches your eye? Let your eyes rest there for a moment. Notice: What stirs in you? Feelings, bodily sensations, thoughts/questions/curiosities... Ask: "God, what are you saying to me through this painting?" Listen: Pay attention to any words, images, memories, scriptures, songs, feelings, etc. that may arise. You might choose to journal. Now look at the second painting below with those from the 1940's WWII-era with the risen Christ. A Jew, prostitute, beggar, clown, scholar, rich woman (maybe a widow), and wounded African guest worker with Nazi concentration camp pajamas have been invited (and have come!) to the table. You might repeat the above questions or focus in on a particular person at the table. Look: Who catches your eye? Or, who do you most identify with or feel resistance towards? Notice: What does this person stir in you? Feelings, bodily sensations, thoughts/curiosities... Ask: "God, what are you showing or saying to me through this person?" Listen: Pay attention to any words, images, memories, scriptures, songs, feelings, etc. that may arise. You might choose to journal. Now let both paintings dance together. What do you notice? Is there a theme in what is being communicated to you through the paintings? Are you aware of any invitations? Like parables, Sieger Köder's paintings contain many layers of meaning. There are endless ways to engage them, like entering one or both of the paintings through your imagination as an observer, one who joins Jesus at the table, or is the face of Christ for those present. What happens next? Whatever happens next, may your time at the table speak to your soul and lead you further on the path of and toward Life.  "All Are Welcome" by Sieger Köder. Prints available at https://www.paulineuk.org |
AuthorKasey is a scarf, ball and club juggling spiritual director just outside of Nashville, TN. Play helps her Type-A, Enneagram 1 personality relax, creating space for poetry and other words to emerge. She also likes playing with theological ideas like perichoresis, and all the ways we're invited into this Triune dance. Archives
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