Praying with the Icon of Jesus, the Divine Master

Reading the icon: What does the image in itself say?

The icon has a door as a frame.
In the center is the full-length figure of Jesus. It is the risen Jesus with the marks of the wounds on his hands and feet.
His right hand is raised, two fingers pointing up. His left hand holds the open book and it rests on his chest. On the book is written: I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.
His tunic is white and his mantle is red.
He has long hair and he gazes ahead steadily.
The figure of Jesus is surrounded by a glowing light.
Behind the figure of Jesus is a luminous cross, which radiates light to the world. Jesus's feet are on the world as if walking. His left foot is on Italy.
The world is enwrapped in darkness. Clouds surround the lower part of the globe.
The heavens are blue; the cross extends from top to bottom.
Beneath the frame are the words: Jesus Master, Way, Truth,and Life.

Around the frame are the four evangelists:
Matthew, top right corner, is gazing on the Master: in his left hand is a closed book, his right hand holds a pen. Above his head is an angel.
Luke, lower right corner, is standing and writing in a book; the ox is above his head.
Mark, top left corner, has an open book and the lion is above him.
John, lower left corner, is turned to the Master. He has an open book in his right hand and a closed one in his left. Above him is the eagle.

Interpretation

The image is not a masterpiece similar to the images of the Master we are accustomed to dating back to the 4th century. Yet this image expresses the vision which James Alberione had concerning the Divine Master, Way, Truth, and Life.

The image in itself represents the humanity of Jesus, the white tunic his divinity, the mantle he is wearing his role as Teacher, the sandals the dynamism of his missionary outreach: he is on the move for others.

Jesus's raised hand symbolizes the authority with which he taught. The book, the gospel on which is written the definition Jesus gave of himself, constitutes the nucleus of Pauline spirituality.

The luminous cross indicates that Jesus is the connecting point of the Divine Trinity with the earth. The light emanating from the cross and the person of Christ depicts the glory of his resurrection after suffering torture, execution,and death.

Jesus has his feet on the world and is walking. The light illumines the darkness of the world. To stand represents an attitude of readiness: Jesus is in the midst of us as one who serves. Jesus's bearing expresses in synthesis the integrality of his mystery: true God and true man, given in death and risen, the Master who communicates, the apostle who is sent by the Father.

The evangelists are standing, available to the Master. They listen to him and are ready to follow him. The symbols of the evangelists are the traditional ones of the gospel.

Meditation: What does this image say to me today?

Prayer-action: What do I say/do for God? What do I say/do for my sisters and brothers?

Prayer to Jesus our Master

Jesus, Divine Master, we adore you as the Word Incarnate sent by the Father to instruct us in life-giving truths. You are uncreated Truth, the only Master. You alone have words of eternal life. We thank you for having given to us the light of reason and the light of faith, and for having called us to the light of glory. We believe and submit all of who we are to you. Master, show us the treasures of your wisdom, let us know the Father, make us true disciples. Increase our faith so that we may attain to the eternal vision in heaven.

Jesus, Divine Master, we adore you as the beloved of the Father, the only way to him. We thank you because you made yourself our model. You left us examples of the highest perfection. You have invited us to follow you on earth and in heaven. We contemplate you in the various periods of your earthly life. We want to enroll in your school of life and grow to become whom you dream we will become. Draw us to you so that by following in your footsteps and renouncing whatever is not according to your dream, we may seek only your will. Give us a firm and lively hope! May we be caught up in the goodness of your indescribable life forever in heaven.

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