*Sacred Scripture* Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek – Rubens
April 27
This artwork by Peter Paul Rubens shows the meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek, which is recounted in Genesis 14:18-20. Abraham arrives in the kingdom of Melchizedek, victorious from war, having freed his cousin Lot from the enemies of Sodom. Melchizedek, who is a priest as well as the king of Salem, presents Abraham and his men with bread and wine. This scene, so wonderfully portrayed by Rubens, is highly symbolic of the Mass. Melchizedek stands on steps above the reverent Abraham and his soldiers. The priest’s serving-boys, resembling acolytes, hold his robe and help to distribute loaves of bread. Cherubs look down from amid boughs of fruit, which symbolize the fruits of the vine and of wheat that become the Eucharist.
Gn14:18-20
18Melchizedek, king of Salem,* brought out bread and wine. He was a priest of God Most High.
19He blessed Abram with these words:c
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
the creator of heaven and earth;
20And blessed be God Most High,
who delivered your
foes into your hand.”
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/14
Saying the holy name of Jesus is the simplest way of praying always.
1-A prayer from Raphael the Archangel:
*While you are on this earth, you must praise the Lord God and give him thanks.
2-A prayer from Tobit and Tobias:
*They began to sing hymns of praise, giving thanks for all the mighty deeds God had done while his angel Raphael had been with them.
3-A simple Jesus prayer:
*Lord, Lord, Jesus Christ…Son of God…have mercy on me…Be kind to others…Work Hard…Be joyful.
4-Another prayer:
*When all that God asks of us is to be quiet and keep ourselves at peace-attentive to the secret work He is beginning in our souls-Be Empty and See That I Am God.
On the day I cried out, you answered; you strengthened my spirit.
Ps 138:3