Above the north door of Chartres Cathedral there is a small, but striking statue – God creating Adam.
The statue is part of a series of 13th century sculptures depicting the seven days of Creation.
We see God, Jesus Christ, tenderly shaping a human being from clay – dust. God’s concentration is on the work of forming, making, the human being. There is an impression that God is holding securely and loving into being. From the material of the earth the human is being formed into a work of God’s art.
For me the image evokes God’s strength, calm determination, joy and love. The human being created is dependent on God’s creative act. In the statue God appears confident and gently pleased in the creation taking place.
The figure being created is without specific gender, and looks peaceful, contented, even at sleep or rest. The act of creation here is an act of love.
As Lent begins I invite you to look at this image and reflect upon it. The image is encouraging me to allow God to act this Lent, to avoid filling Lent with too much activity and ‘holy works’ and rather be still, rest, pray silently in God’s presence and allow God to shape me and guide me into the human being I am called to be made into.
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