Can a photograph be a prayer?

During a recent retreat program this year, I briefly mentioned the prayer form known as Visio Divina, which means Divine Seeing. In the Catholic Church, we use visuals for just about everything to remind us and bring us into prayer with God. Crucifixes, statues, images, and paintings all fall into the category. Most of what is in the Church (images) have a theological, spiritual or ecclesiastical meaning. So what about those items in our everyday lives.

During the retreat, we looked at everyday items and discussed their relevance to our mission as Catholics. A water bottle, a journal, even a life jacket all can be handled and seen where God has created something which has purpose and meaning in our lives. I wonder if you notice everyday items in your life?

For myself, a photograph is something of value; often holding a spiritual significance. When we decide to take a photograph of someone or something, there is usually a meaning behind it. Perhaps we want to revisit that moment or situation? Maybe we want to share it with another, to bring this joy to another who cannot be there at the same time.

Imagine you were going to a desert island and you could bring three images with you? What would they be? Who would be in those images? Which images can you study and notice more than is there on first glance? We often see this in paintings, as we pry out or interpret the meaning of the artist. While we are looking at the image, we are also seeing the soul of the artist in some way; even if the artist did not intend it.

Perhaps this week we can look at some photographs and meditate on them. What are we seeing? Someone or something we love, or perhaps less so? What emotions does the photograph evoke? Love, desire, sacrifice, rejection, perhaps sadness. Take a moment and consider it. When you have come in contact with your feelings, then ask what God might be saying to me in this image, and in my reflecting on the image? Is God calling to me? What is that call?

I am attaching an image which to many might seem meaningless. It was taken at Valyermo in the high desert, California. Not that is really relevant to its meaning.

As yourself a few questions about this image. What do the stones represent? Why are some out of focus? What did the photographer have in mind, when you might have passed by these everyday items?

Then perhaps, you can ask yourself the question. Can a photograph be a prayer? Do I have any photographs which I might consider to be a prayer?

Copyright 2019 Reflection and Photography Michael J. Cunningham O.F.S.

THE UNBROKEN WORD

Earlier this week I visited a state park in Malibu, CA during my day off. Since moving to California I have learned to appreciate a new form of beauty in nature, and a winter which the none of the fierceness of my previous New England home.

As usual, I came loaded with camera equipment but could not bring myself to take an image of the many places destroyed by the recent fires which ravaged the area before Christmas. What is astonishing is how quickly nature brings everything back to life. So what was a blackened landscape only a few weeks ago, has an emerald green to it that Ireland would be proud to own.

My days off here are precious, so I like to go somewhere where I can commune with nature. This past week I went to Point Dume, a California nature reserve. After a long climb down the cliff steps and pathways (much of which had been washed away by recent rains), I made it to the beach. The colors of the beach rocks and pebbles were a wonderous color, making everything fall into a giant jigsaw. As I turned around on the beach from the stairway, I suddenly noticed a presence right by my feet. A seal as shown in the photo below.

The fact I was right next door and the seal did not disturb me was a visible flag to a problem. The seal was in distress and not able to move anything except his head. So I stayed with him to see if he was perhaps just having an afternoon nap, or something more serious was up.

Turns out he was injured and after a discussion with two other beachcombers who arrived on the scene, we called the California wildlife rescue. They arrived on the scene very quickly but were only equipped with a couple of fishing nets but they managed to secure the seal in one of them and they carried him up the stairway and cliff face. A not inconsiderable feat!

While they were obviously doing their job, it was so wonderful to see the care they took to ensure the seal was not made more uncomfortable despite this inevitable handling of him. His wounds become evident as they moved him with much compassion and attention.

By then, more bystanders had come to help, bringing equipment and helping load the mammal into the truck on his way to the California sealife veterinary center nearby.

Yet another week in which unconditional love is expressed in action. An instant community of care built around an animal who might have died on the beach otherwise.

Just another reminder of God is in all of us … all the time.

Rescued

I almost didn’t notice,

As you blended silently into the color of rocks,

At this windswept California beach,

Shaded by the sun.

XXX

Then I saw you,

Sad eyes holding back the tears,

Displaying your suffering, which now was clear.

I wondered how long you were there,

On this beautiful but washed up beach,

At the top of all the rocks,

Safe from an incoming but drowning tide.

XXX

Exchanging glances, then staring at each other,

Until your head fell towards an exhausted sleep,

Hoping the pain would leave,

Like a tide which washed me in.

XXX

More beachcombers arrived,

And talked of your plight,

Calling rescuers to see for themselves,

What, if anything could relieve your loneliness;

And our helplessness.

XXX

I waited, and suddenly they were here,

Armed with, knowledge and Goodwill,

The swaddled you, wounds and all,

And carried you up the cliff face stairs.

And drove off with you into the cool night,

The rescue completed.

XXX

Showing how perfect love is,

When given without conditions.