This week we invite you to do a Visio Divina practice with an icon based on the readings from the gospel. Below is a copy an icon of The Transfiguration you to use during the practice, though it may be easier to print out a copy. As you feel comfortable, take time to reflect on your experience.
How to engage with the practice:
Step 1
Get comfortable, set up the image so you can rest your body and still see it fully. First spend about one minute restfully gazing at the image and notice what jumps out to you. When the minute is up, close your eyes and rest in these noticings. When you are ready to move on go to step 2.
Step 2
Open your eyes again and spend another minute restfully gazing at the icon as you did in step one. This time, pay attention to the questions that arise from the image. What questions does it bring up for you? When the minute is up, close your eyes and sit with these questions. When you are ready to move on go to step 3.
Step 3
Open you eyes again and spend one final minute restfully gazing at the icon as you did in the first two steps. In this final gazing, pay attention to the emotions that arise from your engagement with the image. Where do you feel these emotions in your body? What other sensations arise? When the minute is up, close your eyes and sit with these emotions and sensations? As you close your time of practice, pray from these noticings, questions, and emotions and carry them with you through your day. What shift do you feel in you from engaging with this image? How do you read the story from the gospel differently after this practice?
Take some time to journal about or reflect on your experience of this practice when you are finished.