Illuminating the Word

By Heather Hall

 

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.”

John 1:1

 

We are a people of words and, yet, words can often be misunderstood. We try to describe our experiences and ideas, thoughts and feelings, with words. Written or spoken, more often than not, we fall short of our mark.

 

Growing up in the church, the word of God was conveyed through scripture readings and sermons in the sanctuary and with Bible stories in Sunday school. As a child sitting in the pews, the readings seemed dry and the sermon were just (let’s be honest) preachy. What was different about Sunday school? There the stories came with pictures.

 

Fast forward a few decades and I’m sitting in an Adult Ed version of Sunday school. On this particular day, we watch a video about a handmade Bible that was recently commissioned for the new millennium. The video tells the story of Donald Jackson, master calligrapher for the Queen of England, and his dream to make the first hand-calligraphed and hand-illuminated Bible in 500 years. Commissioned by the monks at St John’s Abbey, in Minnesota, Jackson has put together a team of calligraphers and artists for this project which uses ancient techniques. 

 

As someone who finds connection and re-creation in arts & crafts, I marveled at the enormity of their project, which would span 7 volumes. Their painstaking care for the craft captured my imagination. In my own travels, I would seek out and visit museums displaying folios as they were available. (For upcoming exhibits, go to: https://saintjohnsbible.org/See/Index) 

 

My first “close up” of the St John’s Bible was at the Library of Congress in 2006. The 2’ tall by 3’ wide handcrafted sheets of vellum, carefully bound and displayed under the spotlights, were inspiring. But to see the illuminations (that is, illustrations which have been accented with gold) was simply breathtaking! (You can explore these illuminations online at: https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/stjohnsbible/stjohns-exhibit.html) 

 

Each set of pages, made on vellum sheets 2’ tall by 3’ wide, brought the Word to life. More than mere lovely paintings, these illuminations depict scenes from Biblical times, often incorporating modern images. Jesus, in “The Sower and The Seed,” is shown working the fields in blue jeans. A photo of Earth from outer space is included in “To The Ends Of Earth” from Acts. Depictions of voice prints, the double helix of DNA and fractals can also be found throughout these illuminations. Oil rigs and the Twin Towers, as well as modern plants and geography, place us in the story. These images remind us that the stories are as relevant to our lives today as they were thousands of years ago.

 

When St John’s University created the “Seeing the Word” program, which provides reflection guides for visio divina, I was an instant fan! And when they offered a weeklong retreat, called “Praying with Imagination,” I moved mountains to be there. Centered around a “train the trainer” course for “Seeing the Word,” each day included a workshop in the arts & crafts. Calligraphy, painting and bookmaking gave us an appreciation for the process that Jackson and his team undertook. And, in addition to seeing more folios, we had the opportunity to touch pages from the final volume of the St John’s Bible.

 

I confess that I’m no artist, but I have a fine appreciation of how arts & crafts can enhance the story. In the case of scripture, the folks at St John’s have breathed new life into ancient words and brought the stories to life. 

 

“Seeing the Word” is one of my favorite programs to facilitate. Before the pandemic, I led a “Praying with Imagination” Wisdom Circle at the Retreat House. Each week, we gathered to reflect on the scripture through lectio divina (hearing with the ears of our hearts) and visio divina (seeing with the eyes of our hearts).

 

I’m excited to offer “Seeing the Word: Illuminating Advent” this season. While we will meet remotely, I am sure participants will find this to be an illuminating time. I hope you will register for this soulful connection and encourage you to watch for future offerings.