Teach me your paths, my God, guide me in your truth. (Psalm 25: Gospel Acclamation for today’s Mass)

“As for me, in justice I shall behold your face; I shall be filled with the vision of your glory” Psalm 17 

Kolbe, Martyr

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr, 1894-1941

This is a crude finger painting. It is meant to be incomplete and simple because there is no easy way to interpret this man’s faith, life and death. This Polish Franciscan priest died in Auschwitz on this day in 1941.

Crown: The red crown was given to him in a vision when he was 12 years old. He had a vision of Mary who presented him with two crowns, one white that would become his reward in heaven, then a red crown, representing his martyrdom. He accepted both crowns from Mary, the Mother of God. 

Mary, the Mother of God: Mary’s appearance to Maximilian gave him purpose in life. Notice how the blue beads of the rosary co-exist and even blend into the barbed wire. I must believe that the painful pieces of wire in the concentration camp became a rhythm of prayer for him. The wire knots of the fence became a sequence of prayer so that he could keep his faith alive. As the artist, I hold on to that notion. 

The brown shirt: Fr. Kolbe was a Franciscan priest. He dedicated his life to the proclamation of the gospel; the passion, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. The red mark represents the martyr of martyrs, Jesus. 

The prisoner uniform: At the same time, he was a prisoner and his number was, 16670.

The drops of blood on his face: There were ten people put to death by lethal injection. The blood stains represent those who died with him. The blood comes from the martyrs crown. He took the place of a man who had a wife and children. That man was then present at this canonization in 1982. 

The green background: The green background represents hope for the people who died and hope for the people who lived through such anguish and suffering. The green backdrop invites us all into our own suffering and the realization that “everything will be alright.” I believe this message is the key to his priesthood. I know it is the eternal message of my own priesthood. 

The gold halo: Maximilian’s halo is hope to us all, that our faith in Jesus, in the suffering of this world, leads us safely home. 

( Lisa, my art teacher, gave me an exercise for a quick finger painting to express personal fragmentation and frustration. This was the result from a ten-minute finger painting. I think it works wonderfully with Psalm 59.)

Rescue me from my foes, O God; protect me from those who attack me. O rescue me from those who do evil and save me from bloodthirsty men. See, they lie in wait for my life; the strong band together against me. For no offense, no sin of mine, O Lord, for no guilt of mine they rush to take their stand. Awake! Come to meet me and see! Lord God of hosts, you are Israel’s God. (Psalm 59)

The University of Notre Dame is featuring people on the topic of “Holy Leisure”. Check out the picture and brief reflection from the FaithND website:

To view the photo and article on FaithND: CLICK HERE

Psalm 32
Painting with rag
Ronald Raab, CSC

You are a hiding place for me; you keep me safe from distress; you surround me with cries of deliverance. (Psalm 32)

“To all the world”
Painting: Ronald Raab, CSC

“Go out to all the world and tell the good news!” (Psalm 117)

(I painted this today on my day off with various tools from the art room, sponges, plastic pieces, rags and various items. This was my first attempt painting a skyline and using anything but a brush!)

“Every face turned to Him” Sketch: Ronald Raab, CSC

“Every face turned to him grows brighter and is never ashamed. A cry goes up from the poor man, and Yahweh hears, and helps him in all his troubles.” (Psalm 34: Jerusalem Bible)

“Our eyes”
Pencil: Ronald Raab, CSC

Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading his mercy. (Psalm 123)

“Prophet”
Painting: Ronald Raab, CSC July 4, 2015

Jesus said to them, ” A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” (Gospel for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

(I painted this piece this morning in our studio at the parish. I am learning how to paint with a knife.)