This week's featured image, the Icon of Spirituality, depicts a lamp held by contemplative hands.
This symbol of the interior life is illuminated by God’s presence. The light of Marist Apostolic Spirituality reveals the silhouette of an eye — an expression of contemplation and spiritual vision that penetrates mystery and recognizes the divine in everyday life. This eye is also a window to the soul and a doorway to reality, calling us to a compassionate and attentive gaze upon the world and others — an invitation to be contemplatives in daily action.
The Icon of Spirituality is represented by a lamp held by contemplative hands — a symbol of the inner life illuminated by the presence of God. The light of Marist Apostolic Spirituality reveals the silhouette of an eye, an expression of contemplation and spiritual vision that penetrates mystery and recognizes the divine in everyday life. This eye is also the window of the soul and the gateway to reality, calling us to look attentively and compassionately at the world and at others — an invitation to be contemplatives in action in our daily lives.
Within the light that emanates from this lamp, one can also perceive an ear, a sign of attentive listening to God and to everything He speaks to the heart. This spirituality invites us to see and to listen to the movement of the Spirit, allowing ourselves to be guided by His loving presence, “to become aware that God is present, and to let Him speak to your heart. Listen to the Spirit.” (RV 27)
When contemplating the light of faith, our vision is transformed, and seen from another angle, it reveals the figure of Mary — the model of listening and availability to what God speaks to the heart. Marist spirituality is Marian, shaped by the simplicity and trusting surrender of the Mother of Jesus; therefore, “let Mary inspire and shape your spirituality.” (RL 28)
This inner light, born from listening and nourished by contemplation, leads the heart toward communion and service. “Through contemplation, one becomes more sensitive to the action of the Holy Spirit in one’s life and continues to deepen intimacy with God. One learns to live the value of community life amid the diversity of people and cultures in the same faith.” (RL 68)
Thus, the Icon of Spirituality reminds us that the spiritual life is light and listening, vision and presence, contemplation and mission. Illuminated by this inner lamp, we are called to see with the eyes of God, to listen with the heart of Mary, and to live in the light of the Spirit, allowing Marist Apostolic Spirituality to unite us with life, with community, and with mission.
