I noticed today that a news story flashed around the web of the Blessed Virgin Mary appearing as a vision on the belly of a small turtle. Well this was so patently ridiculous that I made a big joke of it to some co-workers and some friends. But a post on a blog got me to thinking. Why do people need to see Jesus or the Blessed Mother on objects?
Reading the story of the turtle I see that 81yr old Shirley McVane lost her husband of 49 years the same year that I lost my wife. During the lonely years of her widowhood, she has covered the walls of her home with rosaries, prayer cards and paintings of the Last Supper. Shirley says the turtle's image is mostly fun, but in other ways she reaches out for God. Right now across my room, there is an icon of the Theotokos, and a votive burning in front of it. Comforting? yea... maybe I should shop for some turtles...
Hi
I guess after the Mother Theresa bagel, the Virgin On A Terrapin was bound to happen.
Yours, Brother Tadhg
Posted by: Brother Tadhg | August 27, 2006 at 04:56 PM
i suppose it's not so different from being on a walk and just feeling the presence of God or witnessing some mark of nature that evokes the spirit for a person. however, what gets me with these is how they take on an icon status with pilgrimage following suit for varied reasons.
the inspiration doesn't bother me, it's the subsequent practice that can get out of hand. i too have icons in my house & office, they are, for me, images that help to lead me into the spirit, reminding me or helping to meditate. not something i seek for healing, special favor
Posted by: gavin | August 27, 2006 at 01:47 PM
Now that is an idea for an interesting Post, Kevin. Clearly we don't tho science can help us a little.
Posted by: Monk-in-Training | August 26, 2006 at 09:50 AM
How do we know what Jesus or VM even look like?
Posted by: Kevin Bussey | August 24, 2006 at 11:17 PM