Red Clay Halo
The icon of St. John the Baptist that I began working on back in December is progressing very slowly. My intention was to take my time so that there would be more focus on each step. Today I was happy to get some work done on the halo. It was my first attempt at mixing the clay that forms the first layer of the halo and it seems to have gone well. I have written before about the process of writing icons and the theology behind it, but it seems appropriate during this season of Lent to mention again the meaning behind this particular step.
The clay mixture that I prepared and applied today is put not only on the halo, but on the border of the icon. The red clay border is symbolic of the Old Testament. It will be met later in the process with a green line that represents the New Testament. With regards to the halo it represents the human nature found in all of us who are created in the image and likeness of God. I certainly felt my own humanity today as I struggled to get my hands to do what my brain wanted them to do. It was a good reminder that living the Christian life is also a struggle. We don’t always do what we would like to do. The joy of today’s work was the several hours of time it allowed for quiet and prayer. Many people crossed my thoughts to be held in prayer as I continued this conversation with St. John the Baptist that will likely span the rest of this year. I will end today tired by the process, but with a spirit that is full.
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