The Importance of A Face

The faces of those we love are precious to us–in life and even after they have died.

Before they are gone forever, we look to see if there is anything more to learn, notice, or remember.

When we see a beloved face covered for burial we can no longer deny that something has changed forever.

Pain becomes our companion–teaching us more about death, and helping to prepare us to live more consciously by looking more fully into the faces of those we love.

My Prayer:

God, may I look at those I meet as if for the first and last time. Show them the love in my eyes. Show them Your love in my eyes.

Invitation to Prayer:

Who do you want and need to pray for today? Ask God to use your eyes as part of the answer to your prayers.

Scriptural Touchstone:
Let me see your face,
let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet,
and your face is lovely. 
Song of Songs 2:14 NRSV

Images

These images are of the funeral and entombment of Mary Magdalene. They are in the Mary Magdalene stained glass window at Chartres Cathedral in France (1205-15).

To Understand the Image Better
The funeral and burial of Mary Magdalene

Watch A 40-50 second video from inside the Chartres Cathedral (Changes Daily During Lockdown 2020)

Thanks to Sylvie Tribouillet for this image of our beloved cathedral

Other Posts in this Series
Introduction: Life and Death
Passion & Resurrection Window: Talking about Death
Suffering; Hanging On Before Letting Go; Goodbye
John the Evangelist Window: Considering Our Lives; Possibilities in Times of Grief; Consider This!
Magdalene Window: The Many Faces of Mourning; Grieving, Then and Now; Water: In Life & Death; Resurrection