The Catechetical Review - Communicating Christ for a New Evangelization

Learning through Art: Mosaic on the Incarnation of the Word

Authored by Dr. Caroline Farey in Issue #29.4 of The Sower
Mosaic by artist Fr. Marko Ivan Rupnik S.J. To view this picture with the mind of the artist one must start at the very top centre of the mosaic at the scene of the nativity. From here, as your eye descends in a straight line through the different scenes to the very base of the wall, follow the artist’s own explanatory words which he provides for us in his book, The Colour of Light: ‘From the Father’s “womb” to the Virgin’s womb, from the grotto in Bethlehem to the grotto-tomb that is the Jordan, to the womb of death, Sheol. Kenosis is God’s abasement in Jesus Christ, true God and true human, descending to the ultimate abysses of evil and death’. The artist is presenting for us the marvellous condescension of God who, in Christ, comes among us in littleness and mercy, descending to the very depths in order to raise us up.

The rest of this online article is available for current subscribers.

Start your subscription today!


This article is from The Sower and may be copied for catechetical purposes only. It may not be reprinted in another published work without the permission of Maryvale Institute. Contact [email protected]

Articles from the Most Recent Issue

Teaching the Truth of the Body in a Pastorally Loving Way
By Monica Ashour
Last week, I changed the lives of 36 engaged couples (most of whom are already sexually active) in seven hours. More accurately, God and I changed their lives through Pope St. John Paul II’s theology of the body (TOB). [1] What is it about TOB that reaches others, whether young or old, parent or student, married or single? I’d like to unpack that... Read more
Teaching Variations: How Catechesis Changes in Each of the Four Periods
By William Keimig
The catechetical aspect of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is inseparable from the practical reality it seeks to inform. It is the work of teaching the faith so as to empower people to truly live it in their daily experience. Catechetical sessions cannot be nebulous or theoretical; they must be real and applicable to... Read more
Encountering God in Catechesis— “Bring a Non-Catholic to Mass”
By Catechists' Personal Testimonies
It was a Sunday just like any other. At the end of Mass, the priest said, “Next week, bring a non-Catholic to Mass.” I turned to my wife and whispered, “I have someone in mind.” I had a Chinese coworker whom I will call “John.” He and I often talked about philosophical topics such as the meaning of life. At first, John was an atheist, but through... Read more

Pages