John Janaro's Blog, page 16

Saint Paul: A Truly “Great” Conversion Story

Saint Paul’s conversion from persecutor to Apostle is the radical instance of what constitutes every Christian conversion. His experience is fundamentally an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ who communicates himself in and through his Church. It reveals at this very early moment in Christian history an essential feature of the mystery of the Church: Jesus identifies himself with those who follow him, and extends his visible and missionary presence in time and space through them.

Of course, we are familiar with the story. After presiding over the stoning of Saint Stephen, Saul obtains letters from the high priest so that he can arrest Christians in Damascus. He is “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1). Saul has met the followers of “the Way,” but there has been no real encounter; he doesn’t see that the God he longs for and seeks to please with a desperate zeal is communicating himself as a free gift in the midst of these people. “I had acted ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Timothy 1:13), he explains later.

Saint Paul is converted by the famous “light from heaven” on the road to Damascus, in which Jesus reveals himself in his own voice, and at the same time indicates that he is the object of Saul’s persecution: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). It is Jesus himself who opens Paul’s eyes and enables him to see that Christians are not an errant Jewish sect but the very presence of God’s redeeming love in the world.

The light from the glory of Jesus blinds Saul, and it is fitting that a disciple from Damascus, Ananias, is sent to him after three days to restore his sight and baptize him. After this, Saul is completely changed. Immediately we hear in very simple terms that he is “with the disciples at Damascus” and “in the synagogues immediately he proclaimed Jesus, saying, ‘He is the Son of God’” (Acts 9:19-20).

For Saul, conversion comes from the completely gratuitous gift of God, from an encounter that is pure mercy: “the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:14). The grace of this encounter with Jesus corresponds to a recognition of who the followers of Jesus really are, and an insertion of himself into this reality, the Church, and into its mission of witness.

St. Paul’s miraculous conversion is one of the great events of the New Testament. Nevertheless, in it we can see the basic features that make up every conversion story. It was not just a change of convictions. Paul encountered a person, Jesus, who identified himself with persons that Paul knew or would come to know. He recognized Jesus in these persons, the disciples, and in his own transformed life (“it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me” [Galatians 2:20]) as he also witnessed Jesus through the grace of faith and love.

Conversion is always a work of grace. It is always an encounter with Jesus in the communion of the Church. St. Paul’s story is reenacted, again and again, in less outwardly dramatic ways, in every place, in every time, to so many different kinds of people.

Saint Francis De Sales on "Love of Neighbor"

Saint Francis de Sales preaches beautifully about how and why we are called to love our neighbors (and - by extension - our true selves). He summons us to meditate on the tremendous intimacy of God's presence and God's love here and now, for each of us and all of us. Do we remember the gift of this Love that sustains our being and calls us every day, within all our responsibilities and all our various concerns and preoccupations?

When I ponder the words of the text below (in bold type), when I "pray these words" and others of this great 17th century Doctor of the Church, I am restored and renewed in my perspective on myself, those around me, the wider community, the responsibilities of our nation for the "common good" within and beyond our own boundaries, and the truth about all of us, about the whole world. The ultimate, definitive truth about the world - even this world today with all its divisions, covetousness, and violence - is that "God so loved the world that He gave His Only-begotten Son..." (John 3:16). We glimpse the fullness of reality in the measure in which we are given and shaped by the wisdom of "the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39).

This means that in order to love others (with a love that grasps the existential foundation for the ineradicable dignity of every human person), we must 'see' each of them as they really are - each one personally and particularly loved by the Heart of Jesus, God the Son, the Word made flesh who dwells among us. We come to know the tenderness of God's redeeming, sustaining, and fulfilling presence when we encounter Jesus and experience, through faith, the immense personal love of His Heart for our own selves. As Francis de Sales emphasizes:

"Then we shall be all steeped, as it were, in sweetness and gentleness toward all our neighbors, for we shall look upon these souls as resting in our Savior’s Heart.

"Alas! They who regard their neighbor in any other way run the risk of not loving him with purity, constancy, and impartiality. But beholding him in that divine resting place, who would not love him, bear with him, and be patient with his imperfections?…

"Your neighbor is there, in the Heart of the Savior, there as so beloved and so lovable that the divine Lover dies of love for him!"

The Feast of Saint Agnes

Happy Saint Agnes Day!

Agnes of Rome (c. year 304) chose Jesus as her only love. She put Jesus first in everything, and neither the allurements nor the violence of the powers of this world could take Him away from her.

Saint Agnes speaks in this ancient antiphon from today's Roman liturgy, which expresses the 1700 year old memory of this singular young girl, consecrated virgin, bride of Christ, martyr: "What I longed for, I now see; what I hoped for, I now possess; in heaven I am espoused to him whom on earth I loved with all my heart."

Whither U.S. Politics? Wisdom and Love For the Human Person

I have lived long enough to see many changes in the political landscape of the United States of America. We have a new regime today, a “united front” of all sorts of people who have aspirations for power, along with others who move with the wind, and others with whom I agree regarding many of the social evils of our time but who (in my opinion) also have many blind spots. 

I too have blind spots. One of the reasons for dialogue is that we can enrich one another’s perspective regarding the common good and the ways we can serve the common good—which is the good of persons-in-communion. The work of politics engages and has an impact on human persons. It is an art, not a science. It’s guiding light is wisdom. Do the current artisans of USA politics possess wisdom or seek wisdom?

Perhaps the weight of events in the coming years will drive them to seek wisdom, to pray for wisdom. It is my prayer for our political leaders, for other world leaders, for the peoples of my country and the world, for myself. Most of us don’t hold political office. We elect representatives, which means we have a responsibility to hold them accountable to recognize and respect the dignity of every human person without exception. Political wisdom in today’s world will not emerge without a foundation in love for the person.

This is the particular challenge that today’s leaders must take up. Do they have any awareness of this responsibility or any capacity for it?

Now is not the time to shout “hurrah!” We must remain attentive, to hold these new leaders accountable for how they use their power. In particular, we cannot ignore the immense suffering that will come if they fulfill their plans for “mass deportations of millions of ‘illegal’ immigrants.” Dare we wash our hands of any concern for the poor and powerless of this hemisphere and inflict further sufferings on them? Is there no path to “documented permanent residency” (or some other equitable status) for those who have long lived and worked here and contributed to the wealth of this nation? Can we adequately secure our borders, protect ourselves from criminals and terrorists, and also have a generous and welcoming immigration policy?

Lord, convert our hearts to Your Wisdom, that we might adhere to Your Merciful Love and grow in love for our brothers and sisters, especially regarding the poor, the sick, the elderly, migrants and refugees, unborn children and their mothers, the homeless, the dispossessed, and all who bear heavy burdens. Lord have mercy on us all.

Political Wisdom and Love For the Human Person

I have lived long enough to see many changes in the political landscape of the United States of America. We have a new regime today, a “united front” of all sorts of people who have aspirations for power, along with others who move with the wind, and others with whom I agree regarding many of the social evils of our time but who (in my opinion) also have many blind spots. I too have blind spots. One of the reasons for dialogue is that we can enrich one another’s perspective regarding the common good and the ways we can serve the common good—which is the good of persons-in-communion. The work of politics engages and has an impact on human persons. It is an art, not a science. It’s guiding light is wisdom. Do the current artisans of USA politics possess wisdom or seek wisdom?

Perhaps the weight of events in the coming years will drive them to seek wisdom, to pray for wisdom. It is my prayer for our political leaders, for other world leaders, for the peoples of my country and the world, for myself. We don’t hold political office. We elect representatives, which means we have a responsibility to hold them accountable to recognize and respect the dignity of every human person without exception. Political wisdom in today’s world will not emerge without a foundation in love for the person.

This is the particular challenge that today’s leaders must take up. Do they have any awareness of this responsibility or any capacity for it?

Now is not the time to shout “hurrah!” We must remain attentive, to hold our leaders accountable for the immense suffering that will result from “mass deportations of millions of ‘illegal’ immigrants.” Dare we wash our hands of any concern for the poor and powerless of this hemisphere and inflict further sufferings on them? Is there no path to documented permanent residency for those who have long lived and worked here and contributed to the wealth of this nation? Can we secure our borders, protect ourselves from criminals and terrorists, and also have a generous and welcoming immigration policy?

Lord, convert our hearts to Your Wisdom, that we might adhere to Your Merciful Love and grow in love for our brothers and sisters, especially regarding the poor, the homeless, migrants and refugees, the dispossessed. Lord have mercy on us all.

Prayer For the Unity of All Christians

“In these days of prayer for Christian unity, let us not cease to invoke from God the precious gift of full communion between all the Lord’s disciples” (Pope Francis).

[Image from Vatican Website]

Los Angeles Fires Rage On

Los Angeles, California is burning.

Two major wildfires have swept through 40,000 acres of residential areas in Los Angeles County, mostly north of the city boundaries. Over two dozen people have died, and more than 30 are missing. Dry conditions and high winds were responsible for the rapid spread of these fires to the Palisades and Eaton regions. 

The areas that are actually on fire may seem small in comparison to the enormous Los Angeles metropolitan area populated by 18 million residents.  Most of them are not (yet) at risk from these particular fires that burn relentlessly in ares like Palisades and Eaton, where there are homes for superstars and rich people, ordinary people, and many poor people as well. In these densely populated areas, people feel that they have seen the apocalypse. Firefighters have been struggling night and day to contain the blaze, and have finally begun to have some success in containing the fire. For thousands of private homes in the area, however, it is too late.

There is the long and laborious work ahead to prevail over the fire and reconstruct the areas affected. We have to join with these suffering people in prayer, compassion, and whatever material support we might be able to provide. May the Lord pour out His superabundant graces and mercy on all those who have suffered loss at this time. Lord, have mercy on those who are afflicted, who have lost homes that they cherish. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for your children!

Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, pray for us!

“The Face and the Voice of God”

Pope Francis baptized 21 children in the Sistine Chapel this morning (image from Vatican Media livestream) during the celebration of today’s Mass for the Solemnity of Jesus’s Baptism—His encounter with John the Baptist in the Jordan River, where the mystery of God as Trinity was “manifested”—thus bringing to a conclusion this “Season of Epiphanies” that began on Christmas Day. At noon, the Pope gave this brief reflection and exhortation at the Angelus:

“When Jesus receives baptism, the Spirit manifests Himself and the Epiphany of God occurs; He reveals His face in the Son and makes His voice heard, which says: ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased’ (v. 22). The face and the voice.

“First of all, the face. In revealing Himself to be the Father through the Son, God establishes a special space for entering into dialogue and communion with humanity. It is the face of the beloved Son.

“In second place, the voice. Face and voice. ‘You are my beloved Son’ (v. 22). This is another sign that accompanies the revelation of Jesus.

“Dear brothers and sisters, today’s feast makes us contemplate the face and the voice of God, which are manifested in Jesus’ humanity. And so, let us ask ourselves: do we feel loved? Do I feel loved and accompanied by God, or do I think that God is distant from me? Are we capable of recognizing His face in Jesus and in our brothers and sisters? And are we accustomed to listening to His voice?

“I will ask you a question: does every one of you remember the date of your Baptism? This is very important! Think: on what day was I baptized? And if we do not remember, when we arrive home, let us ask our parents or our godparents the date of our Baptism. And let us celebrate this date as if it were a new birthday: that of our birth in the Spirit of God. Do not forget! This is our homework: the date of our Baptism. Let us entrust ourselves to the Virgin Mary, invoking Her help. And do not forget the date of your Baptism!”

My own Baptism was on March 10, 1963. I don’t always remember or celebrate this day, but I shall during this Holy Year. I shall remember and celebrate it with gratitude as the beginning of my own journey in Christ toward the definitive embrace of the Triune God.

The Prayers of “Epiphany Week”

Above: a reflection from the late Pope Benedict XVI on the wonderful mystery we have celebrated in this season, and at the beginning of the Holy Year 2025.

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During this past week, I’ve been digitally “clipping” some of the beautiful and profound invocations, antiphons, and prayers of these days leading up to tomorrow’s great feast. Here are precious prayers encompassing the themes of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Word—the Only-Begotten Son of the Father—and the centrality of this event for  our destiny, for the whole world, for all of creation.

“Remembering Christina Grimmie” in Digital Portraits

This date marks eight years and seven months since the tragic (and, in my opinion, heroic) death of Christina Grimmie. These four portraits are “works in progress,” I suppose. They have their origin in screenshots I took from Christina’s YouTube channel, but they have been imaginatively reconceived in many ways (using various tools of digital media).

Graphics media continue to explode with dizzying new possibilities (too many!). I have been working with crafting photographs into “digital art” since 2013. I don’t understand the technological manipulations that make this work possible (anymore than I understand the science behind photography). The introduction and increase of so-called “artificial intelligence” into graphics widens the scope of what can be done with existing images, but still in the manner of a blunt hammer that opens up paths to pursue but also creates new problems. I have little use for “word to image” gimmicks, which don’t work very well except for some small corrections.

My experience remains that of an artist, a photographer who works with new tools that expand the plasticity of photo images so that they can be “sculpted” in ways that correspond to the inspiration and “intuition” that guides what I’m trying to do. Powerful “preset” physical alterations can distract from this inspiration and “take over”—distracting the process as resulting in a sculpted image that is not only mediocre but also dissatisfying to the artist.

I am betting that—along with so much new image saturation that is merely functional (nothing wrong with that), or else flippant, fantastic-for-its-own-sake, cheap and homogenized, ugly, or violent—a new art form may be emerging. Perhaps it’s an extension of photography, which was struggling to find its own proper creative possibilities a century ago. Later on, cinema and television would struggle in analogous ways under the condescending and skeptical eyes of dramatic artists who used “traditional [stage] media.” Improvisational music also struggled—first as the misunderstood marvel of jazz, and then with the addition of electronic amplification and tonal manipulation, the “popular music” that is heard everywhere today, mostly in mediocre and forgettable ways, but occasionally borne up to astonishing heights of beauty (analogously) by extraordinary, gifted, and hard-working musical artists.

Christina Grimmie was one of those artists, and many other things too.

Critics inevitably have many legitimate points, but they must be not simply dismissive but also attentive. The realm of beauty is as extensive and analogous as the realm of being itself. Artistic creativity is a human activity, which requires more than just the happy accidents of algorithmic associations. It requires a person who uses these resources to craft an object that “incarnates” a real creative intuition of the luminosity of being (and digital bytes are material, for all their complexity, so they can ultimately be crafted into a material thing under the vision and intention of the artist).

I may never rise above the level of mediocrity, but I am trying. I have spent many hours, much laborious attention, and a decisive amount of “hands-on” work on my digital landscapes (from my own photographs) and—more recently—on portraiture that concentrates on a handful of frequently photographed and interesting faces of celebrities that I have some sort of connection with (because portraiture that arises from insight into the beauty of a person has a higher and more sustaining “aim” for the artist). 

Sometimes, a portrait veers off the features of the original model and becomes a “different face” and I think that can be very interesting too. But I begin with a few faces. I have worked on Lionel Messi’s odd-shaped, funny, generous face. He remains my favorite soccer player. I was so glad that he finally won the World Cup. He has huge ears, that add “color” to his expressions of determination and joy. Then, of course, there’s Avril Lavigne, with 23 years of faces from ages 17-40 — Avril’s generational “iconic” face, an exquisite face full of a multitude of often hilarious expressions, volumes of hair in various colors, and always the “overdone” black eyeliner. Efforts to do portraits of her are quite challenging (and rarely successful), but I care about her—the Lyme disease odyssey, her big (albeit wild) heart, and the touch of greatness in that inimitable first album—and I pray for her. I also work on Ed Sheeran, who has a big, open, endearingly “ugly” face of an English pub lad, topped off with funky hairstyles. I’m not particularly a fan of his music, but I know that—with all the fame—he’s had a hard road, and he’s very open about his struggles to develop his musical craft. I pray for him too. Another is Norwegian singer-songwriter Sigrid Raabe (“Sigrid”), who makes great Scandi-pop music, has lots of informal pics and videos on her social media, usually wears little makeup, and has a classic cheerful Norwegian face with fair skin and a big smile with an endearingly distinctive slightly-crooked front tooth. She’s has a natural bearing and seems like a lovely person. 

There are a few others too; you get the idea. These faces I work with are the faces of persons, and their inner qualities—the more-than-meets-the-eye facets of personality revealed in their faces—stirs up vision and motivation to “present them” afresh

But above all, there’s Christina Grimmie. I’ve written so much about why she is my chief inspiration and “muse” in this artistic adventure. She had a strength and beauty of soul, a light that shined from the inside outwards to generate a welcoming environment for others. In her art and in her life, she was willing to take risks, not recklessly but boldly in the service of love. She shed light on the path of how to live in the world of today, how to surrender one’s self to the will of Christ in everything—including the Hollywood celebrity world, and how to die—with arms wide open, in utter vulnerability, welcoming a stranger at an open meet-and-greet (because Christina wanted to meet everyone).

I have much to learn from her example. Meanwhile, I’m not afraid to risk pushing forward a little in the uncharted territory of digital art. That’s what she would want me to do. I may never get it “right,” but I will struggle to do my best.