Visiting Saint Catherine’s Monastery at the base of Mount Sinai in Egypt years ago, I encountered the icon of Jesus the Teacher, also called the Christ Pantocrater. One of the oldest icons in the world, the image on that ancient wall resonated mightily with me. I acquired a framed copy and put it on my office wall in the Middle East. It subsequently made the trek with me to Africa. Now it hangs on the wall here where I see it every day.
I like the faith reminder that we are meant to keep learning, that Jesus always has more to teach us, new things if we keep asking. Our faith is not a series of stagnant postulations, but an evolving journey of daily discovery (with heavenly Help!)
When I look at this icon it reminds me to pray: “Jesus Christ, teach me Your ways.” Sometimes when my ways bump up against His ways later in the day I often add, “Please open my mind, heart, and spirit that I may know Your ways and DO THEM!”
As a wisdom groupie, I also like this icon as an affirmation of my daily (sometimes hourly) prayer: “Jesus Christ, please transform my heart, mind and spirit with Your wisdom.”
Listening closely to the icon, it’s also as if Jesus is saying:
“Study My words. Know My words. BE My words.”
grace, peace & inspired icons
Virginia : )
“…Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Just love this..would it be a forty-day reflection?
Thank you, Arlene. Yes, certainly, 40 days of reflecting on the icon would be an inspirational spiritual exercise. Big hugs to you! 🌟🙏🌟
That is a striking image. Wow! And yes, Jesus always has more to teach us. Thank you so much for posting, Virginia!
Glad you appreciate this deeply spiritual image & reminder there’s always more to learn on our faith journeys. Thankfully, Jesus is also generous with His love & mercy, too. Blessings! 🌟🙏🌟💜🌟
I love this icon of Christ, the Pantocrator. What a blessing your trip to Mount Sinai. It’s in my bucket list to visit St. Catherine’s Monastery in Egypt one day, God willing. Hugs and a blessed Lenten season dear Virginia! ❤
Hope that you are having a blessed Lenten season, Patty. Mount Sinai is an incredible place. On a clear day from the top you can see into 4 countries. Climbing up the Stairs of Repentance is truly a spiritual exercise in more ways than one! There’s an easier path (highly suggest taking that one.) I love this icon of Jesus the Teacher. I carefully packed this 12”by 5” frame in my suitcase to Africa. Putting it on my office wall there, it served as a daily reminder to keep asking, seeking & knocking. Blessings, Patty! 🙏🌟🙏🤗🌟