Saint John Resting on the Bosom of Christ 1300–1320
The Cleveland Museum of Art
On view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, Oct 16, 2025 – Mar 29, 2026
Genesis 49:2 8-10
Psalm 72: 1-8
Matthew 1:1-7, 17
I am feeling anything but anticipatory these days. Over this past year, I have been journeying with my 55-year-old husband from going blind, to a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer, to treatments and now in palliative care at home. Needless to say, it has been challenging. The readings listed above did not inspire me to write a reflection. However, I found an alternate version of Psalm 72, in the book, Psalms for Praying by Nan C. Merrill. The beauty of this psalm allowed me to pause and consider the following verses: “Blessed be the Beloved, the one who dwells in open hearts,
Who guides us along the way.
Blessed be You, who comes in the name of the Love; May your glory fill the earth.
Amen and Amen!”
L-O-V-E, a very short word, but a feeling that endures, that transverses time and space and keeps returning, again and again. This Guide of love journeys with each one of us and we can anticipate its sustenance to see us through anything. In the arms of love, we are comforted and find strength to journey on, even in the hardest of times. The Beloved has come in many forms, as a babe, a dying man, to the resurrected light. This is a reminder of our own journey and that, in itself, is a glorious, anticipated event.
Advent Blessings,
Sharleen McCorrister