Dear Friends and family,
Thank you so much for your prayers and support. I know I haven't been writing much, but I wanted to share a moment of joy with you. Through your prayers and God's mercy, I was able to finish my icon of "Our Lady of Kazaan" on April 22nd, the Memorial of St. Anselm and the anniversary of my own Confirmation. By providence, it is also the anniversary of my Marian Consecration that I made 4 years ago at Steubenville. I wasn't planning to have it done until Friday, but Mary decided to grant me a special grace and help me finish it on the day when I gave myself to her for the first time.
What is most amazing about the whole process is that, looking at the icon, I am overwhelmed by the sense that "This isn't mine." Yet, the beauty of it is that this sentiment is ultimately true: the Gospel proclaimed by the iconographer is not his own, but that of Christ and His Church.
While on close inspection, there are several "mistakes" that I made, God shows in the finished product that He can indeed "write straight with crooked lines." Indeed, the parallels between iconography and our own spiritual lives are striking. Many times, we are doing the same things over and over again without seeing results, like the numerous, watered-down lines on the faces of Jesus and Mary. Yet, when the time is right, God reveals the plan He had all along for the small details, and His glory is manifested when all the little disparate things are brought together.
Looking back, I would not have been able to finish without your loving support and prayers, as drawing straight lines is even difficult for me! And yet, as you can see, it doesn't take an artist to make an icon, only obedience and the desire to witness to the Gospel (and a good teacher :)). Next year, Lord willing, I will make another icon under Fr. Paul; but for now, I must focus on my studies, as is only fitting for this time of year. Please continue to offer up prayers and sacrifices for me, as I can assure you they are bearing fruit: this icon is but a taste of what God can do in us when we give ourselves to him. A Blessed Easter season to you all: He is truly risen as He said, Alelluia!
Coming soon: pictures from start to finish!
