In the early part of our journey, we lean on the church’s authority. With our feet rooted firmly in belief, we must develop a healthy ego and sense of belonging. Yet if we want to grow, we can’t remain here. If we insist on protecting our beliefs by making our container a leaden shell, we won’t mature spiritually. The time comes when the unfamiliar must be embraced as an opportunity to develop as we were meant to. When we’re challenged to move beyond the limitations of the beliefs we were first taught, courage is what’s needed.
In this essay, featured in the Spring Collection of Ekstasis Magazine, I explore the theme of spiritual maturity through two great paintings: Titian's Ranuccio Farnese and Velázquez's Mars. Each serves to represent a different phase of the Christian journey.
Titian
Ranuccio Farnese
1541-1542
Velázquez
Mars
1638