The painting from Sr. Mary of the Compassion, OP for this Second Week of Lent is entitled “All Saints of the Order of Preachers.” This is one of Sr. Mary of the Compassion’s most recognizable works as it was commissioned in the 1950’s by the Dominican Friars at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, where it continues to be displayed in their refectory. Here we see Christ on the Cross surrounded by Eight Hundred Years of Dominican history portrayed in the various saints throughout the centuries who proclaimed Christ crucified to the world.
This represents Sr. Compassion’s artwork so well, as one can see her style emerging with each saint depicted. Her calligraphy wording at the bottom of the image, although not recognizable to decipher, are words written by St. Thomas Aquinas in his Adore Te Dente, “O good and loving pelican Jesus My Lord! Unclean I am but cleanse me in Thy Blood, of which a single drop, for sinners spilt, Is ransom for a world’s entire guilt.” The spirituality of the Order of Preachers and Sr. Compassion’s own love and understanding of her vocation to this order is evident in this painting. Gathered here are mystics, martyrs, scholars, and penitents glorifying Our Lord in His Redemptive act of suffering and love for us.
The Gospel for the Second Sunday of Lent is the Transfiguration of the Lord. Jesus appears with Moses and Elijah and reveals his glory to a few of the disciples on Mount Tabor. Throughout this episode, the disciples witness hearing God proclaim about Jesus, “Listen to Him.” This crisp command is the climax of the Transfiguration and the key to its meaning. This is what we are called to do this Lenten season, to stop and Listen to the Lord at work in our lives. Be still, be quiet, and hear the Lord in our heart and mind.
Sr. Mary of the Compassion’s painting depicts this so well:
St. Dominic
St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Catherine of Siena
St. Rose of Lima
St. Martin de Porres
All Holy Men and Women
All of Us
Listen to Him. Can We Drink of this Cup?
