What is my favorite painting? … drumroll please!

People often ask me which of the artwork I’ve created is my favorite painting...

The Lily, is definitely the one I continue to treasure.

I created this work in Italy 5 years ago. It was born out of reading sermons on the Song of Songs by St. Bernard of Clairvaux. His sermons on are dripping with symphony symbology and a deeper understanding of the Song of Songs. What struck me profoundly was that he articulates Mary as being the bride in the Song of Song – the bride who represents us, the church, as well.

The Song of Songs has so much rich imagery, including lilies. St. Bernard taught me that lilies are symbolic for those who share in the resurrection. Hence, the title of this work. The moment of the Annunciation, the moment Jesus entered Mary’s womb and she becomes mother, is also the moment she becomes full bride of our Lord, completely united to him. That is why this painting is set in a garden. It depicts the symbolic reference to entering into the woman’s very being. This is also why I felt lead to portray Mary mostly in white here, showing that she is both bride and mother.

I treasure this work because it’s a reminder of who Mary has been graced to be, but it is also an invention into who we are all called to be.

God wants to be completely united with each of us, whether man or woman. He desires that we too may ‘birth’ Christ into the world. In order to give Christ to others, we must first enter into communion with God the Father. We must first fall in love with our creator. We must first respond with a yes to his call, our own fiat. From there, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and can give Christ to the world. Mary is such a beautiful example of how to do this well. Her life is truly an icon to meditate on and learn from.

Have you ever heard about this? If not, I highly recommend reading St. Bernard’s sermons!