Abbey-Roads2

God.

I love passages from Scripture relating the vision of God the prophets saw.  Today’s passage from Ezekiel is especially descriptive, reminiscent of Daniel’s vision and the fiery chariot of Elijah.  These images influenced painters since the first centuries as  they proceeded to portray the prophecy narratives or depict Christ in glory - especially at the Last Judgement. 

“A huge cloud with flashing fire enveloped in brightness, from the midst of the fire something gleamed like electrum… Then I heard their wings… when they stood they lowered their wings… above their heads something like a throne could be see… upon it was seated one who had the appearance of a man… downward from what resembled his waist I saw what looked like fire; he was surrounded with splendor.  Like the bow which appears in the clouds on a rainy day was the splendor that surrounded him.  Such was the vision of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.” - Ezekiel 1: 2-5, 24-28

Basilica Santa Chiara, Assisi.

While I lived in Assisi I attended Mass here every morning.  One of the nuns taught me how to pray the rosary in Italian at the grille, hidden by her enclosure veil.  It was cool.  Despite the fact the Saint’s body is enshrined here, I felt closest to St. Clare at San Damiano, where she lived with her “Poor Ladies”.  The first nuns slept in dormitories.  The only religious I know of today who live such poverty and austerity are the Missionaries of Charity.