The process of creating this icon of Jesus and Lazarus (with Martha and Mary in the background) has been quite the emotional journey.
When studying the story of Lazarus, I kept envisioning the moment Jesus held him after Jesus said "Come Forth!" and was resurrected, and what that moment must have felt like for both of them. Lazarus, a sense of bewilderment and disbelief, and Jesus, a sense of relief mixed with grief and joy. I tried to find a way to display all of those emotions. What I found in sharing the process along the way is that many people have identified with those very emotions and picture Jesus embracing them in the same way, as do I. I imagine Martha and Mary sharing a moment of grieving relief too, their beloved brother finally awaken after their precious friend finally arrived.
The succulents and birds of paradise are what Fr. James Martin, SJ Martin describes as growing at the place of Lazarus's tomb today. The skull and moths represent death and life. The tomb is, of course, from where Lazarus was resurrected. The four vultures representing the four days Lazarus was dead. Martha and Mary, Lazarus's beloved sisters and caregivers. And "ego sum resurrectio et vita," which means "I am the resurrection and the life," Jesus' words.
--Kristen Wheeler, Artist
Image source, from which you can order your very own copy of the Lazarus icon on matted prints and handmade icons: www.moderniconographer.com
Published by Fr. James Martin on Facebook, 2022.
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