Art work:
Jesus of the People by Janet McKenzie
see video of 20 year celebration here
Christ Handing Saint Peter the Keys of Heaven by Guido Reni (1575-1642)
Baby Moses by Delroy Russell (contemporary artist from Brampton, Ont. 2015)
Children's Activities:
Summary:
This story of oppression and acts of mercy in the context of violence, is juxtaposed with a question and a key of authority. How interesting that we are called to look at Matthew chapter 16 - the gospel reading assigned for today, through a liberation lens.
Friends, the question Jesus asked of his first century disciples – Who do you say that I am? When given only to the minds of the powerful can have detrimental effects.
Poem reflecting on Janis McKenzie's art Jesus of the People
This morning I woke up with a brush in my hand, determined to deconstruct the image of a mono-toned man who only reflects one side of salvation.
The hieroglyphics of hierarchy have bleached your blemishes
With despotism and domination since before I was conceived
But this morning, it will change.
This morning, the silenced voices of my own ancestors will dance
Through the hues of your hair.
This morning, the persecuted presence of lost populations
Will thrive through the tones of your countenance.
This morning, the cries of the Cherokee
Will ring through the satin of your garb,
And the voices of bigotry
Will be silenced through the shading of every lost seeker.
This morning, the beauty of night and noir and noise will eradicate all limitations of my salvation and my canvas will capture the beauty of each color in the world.
This time, the truth and hope and glory found in the every drop of dew and in every morsel of majesty will come alive on this easel.
This time, the splendor of my savior will seep into sources it has never seen because the brush I use has been erected by the fingers of fluid faith.
This time, I will paint your face the color of water, Your skin the hue of a night sky,
Your body reflective of each person who has ever seen beauty in the moon.
by Kaeley J. McEvoy
Works referenced in the sermon:
Marcus Borg & NT Wright: the meaning of Jesus
Catherine Keller: on the mystery
CS Lewis' trilemma