Many thanks to Carol for hosting our first Spiritual Thursday of 2021.
I wrote about my OLW, OX, in last week's Poetry Friday post. Ox is an animal special to cultures around the globe but is rarely center stage. An ox may be part of a nativity scene or in ancient art of sacrifice, or in photos of agrarian life. But, the ox is not usually the point of what we see.
What parts of life do I not pay attention to?
Ouch.
The photo below is an abstract sculpture of a winged ox on a church in Sheffield England. In the Old Testament, priests would have sacrificed an ox as a blood offering. In New Testament symbolism, the ox represents St. Luke as Christ was portrayed in a priestly manner.
Through the wonders of the internet, I traveled to St. Luke's Church. I poked around their website, got a feeling for the spiritual and temporal work of the community. Even though I don't know a single person there, I feel connected to them by finding their ox. This week, I notice and keep the people of St. Luke's in prayer.
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| The abstract form of a winged ox on the wall of a church in Lodge Moor, #Sheffield. Sculpted by Rex Sellers in 1965 |
Linda, I feel you are on an ox scavenger hunt, and the ox has brought you purposefully to pray for those at this church. I know that an ox represents Luke the Evangelist - but the wings captivate me! I am wondering at that symbolism. Fascinating and beautiful post. I am delighted to travel down these spiritual paths alongside you, in the light you cast. :)
ReplyDeleteI am amazed by your word Ox and how it is already leading you to discover more awareness and inspiration. What an amazing sculpture! Wings?!
ReplyDeleteLinda: In MN one often finds a moose in the manger scene. Now you introduce OX. I like the image of yoked oxen...big strong brutes who pull together. I'll be interested to see where they pull us. Thanks for your post.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am fascinated by your research surrounding the ox. What a strong word you have chosen to guide your journey. I found this to add to your collection of related thoughts: "Jupiter Lai, a Hong-Kong based Chinese and Western astrologer, says the ox is “grounded, loyal, gentle and trustworthy.”
ReplyDeletePerhaps, these traits will be explored as your write your ox tales. I find the word gentle to be an interesting one for I have only pictured oxen in history as massively strong animals. May the symbol of the ox lead us to gentler groumds of discourse during turbulent times that we are now witnessing. This question you pose is one to ponder: What parts of life do I not pay attention to? On the paths that we travel, we may miss much but our eyes must seek all that surrounds our journey. As I begin a new path, I shall keep my sigths on all that will bring peace and healthy discourse.
Beautiful reflections on your word. I can't wait to read your writing about the ox this year. I've already loved what I've seen.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting take on your word, especially the question - What parts of life do I not pay attention to? I love how finding the winged ox on the internet and a faith community allowed you to learn about it and feel connected to them.
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