Monsignor Pope Ping!
“Hence, this icon is no mere portrait that reminds one of Christ, it is an image that mediates His presence.”
...
“Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.
But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
They have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.
They have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but cannot walk,
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.” Psalm 115
I've noticed that Eastern Orthodox posts on identical topics get zero comments.
Perhaps they are not motivated out of charity for if they were the case they would attempt to set their Orthodox sisters and brother "straight" as well.
Particularly in Mark’s Gospel, there is great emphasis on the eyes and the look of Jesus.<<<
Looking on Christ and allowing Him to look on you is a powerful moment of conversion.<<<
There is just something within us that seeks the face of God and desires that look of love that alone can heal and perfect us.<<<
Amazing what ends up posted here in plain sight.
There's a rectification, unification, and understanding of all things when the allegory is the literal meaning. Good idea to point that out. Never know who might be reading / who would need to see that. :)
we all beholding the glory of the Lord with open face, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18)