Holy Week: Streams of Mercy

Golden Hour
by Nicolette Peñaranda
Inspired by John 13:1-20
Acrylic, ink, paper collage, yarn, metallic
tape, and mixed media on canvas

The story of Peter brings us to the last
supper. The disciples are tucked away
in the upper room. Within the overall
composition of this piece, we see the
West African symbol, Aban, which
means fortress and demonstrates
power and authority. Aban is the central
image of Golden Hour and it is duplicated
around the perimeter of the piece like a
mighty fortress. The gold-plated vessel
at the top represents the water Jesus
uses to wash the disciples’ feet. Around it are miniature Mpuannum, the five tufts of hair. In Ghanaian culture, it is said that a priestess wore this hairstyle giving the symbol a meaning of deep loyalty and priestly office. The water drips directly down onto swollen feet, feet that bear no name. The section to the left of the vessel holds a tearful Peter. He refuses Jesus’ hospitality and then backtracks when he learns the value of merciful water. Around him contains Dwannini Mmen, the horns of rams, and Nyansapo, the wisdom knot. Both sit subtly in the background. If only Peter remembered that pride is a vice and through curiosity we are exposed to the interconnectedness of wisdom and knowledge. Across from the image of Peter we see the Eucharist…The Eucharist is also one of the ways we receive Christ’s mercy. Body and blood broken for us…The vessel of water is providing mercy. The swollen feet are receiving mercy. Peter is asking for mercy. The chalice has shed mercy.

There is a particular time of day we refer to as the “golden hour.” This is when photographers love to
take photos as the sun sits at a particular point, either after sunrise or before sunset, when daylight
is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky… When I reflect on the entire Passion story, this might just be the golden hour for the disciples…Sharing a meal with the people you love is one of the most glorious moments anyone could have—before what will end as a night of torture and betrayal.
—Rev. Nicolette Peñaranda (taken from artist notes, sanctifiedart.org)

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Worship Opportunities:

• Maundy Thursday, March 28, 7:00 & 8:00 pm Live Last Supper on Front steps of the church building
• Good Friday, March 29, 12 noon – 6:00 pm Stations of the Cross, Chapel open for you to drop in for a personal reflection & meditation on the events of the last week in Jesus’ life leading up to his death.  These stations were created by the youth of Hood Memorial.  Come and see the last week of Jesus through their eyes.
• Easter, March 31, 10:30 am Easter Worship with music, baptisms, & bring flowers to place on the cross