I've left this icon quite large so we can see and appreciate its details. The icon is titled variously — Mother of God ~ Sweet Kiss, or Tender Mercy, or Loving Kindness. Perhaps the image is known by various names because it is so packed with beauty we have trouble describing it. How blessed we are to have this computer image of the icon, protected by the monks of the Philotheou Monastery on Mount Athos in Greece.
The Mother of God wears a red-brown maphorion. She is of the earth — one of and with us. The Infant Christ sits in the space created by her supportive left arm. Their closeness is expressed cheek-to-cheek but also in the enfolding of hands. Jesus is no cuddly, pudgy baby, but a little man — he is always the Lord. The iconographer has decorated the Holy Child's white tunic. His mantle radiates divine energies. While the Mother of God looks out at us, she also looks beyond us. The Child doesn't look at his Mother, as we might expect, but at each of us and all of us. Having us in mind, both figures have pleasant expressions.
An icon is not a sentimental holy card to be admired. An icon is not meant for the museum, to gaze at fleetingly as we walk by. An icon's message is, "Stop," "Be still," "Enter here." And as I gaze, the outward looking Holy Child, seems to say to me — "This is how you are loved - with a sweet kiss, with tender mercy - with loving kindness. Believe it."
But not a few people will have a hard time accepting this. They feel they have to be someone else to be loved. Perhaps they were raised in negativity, addiction, abuse or failed religion, and feel themselves to be spiritually un-evolved or self-hating. Do you remember the hymn sung at the end of each Billy Graham Crusade — "Just as I am, without one plea...." I am loved by heaven, "Just as I am..." This is the invitation of the Glykophilousa Mother of God. Come before the icon, just to be there in this accepting presence.
I am loved by God in Christ and his Mother, just as I am. We don't have to pass a theology exam to be loved. We don't have to be white, heterosexual males to be loved. We don't have to earn an A+ in following the rules to be loved. There is no interview or checklist. We don't have to live like nuns and monks live to be loved. We don't have to be Christians - even Catholic Christians - to be loved. But try this prayer before the icon, even if you feel doubts as you say the words. Along the way, make your own additions or changes. Slow, slow. Don't admire the icon, but enter it. Breathe in front of it. The icon is about you, about me. Yes, it's that personal.
I love myself as I am - impatient and moody.
I love myself as I am - confused.
I love myself as I am - needy.
I love myself as I am - hurting.
I love myself as I am - feeling guilty.
I love myself as I am - ill at ease.
I love myself as I am - wishy-washy.
I love myself as I am - resentful.
I love myself as I am - self-absorbed.
I love myself as I am - sick and tired.
I love myself as I am - raised in dysfunction.
I love myself as I am - worn out.
I love myself as I am - fearful.
I love myself as I am - feeling invisible.
I love myself as I am - self-doubting.
I love myself as I am - full of dread.
I love myself as I am - inconsistent.
I love myself as I am - complaining.
I love myself as I am - discomforted.
I love myself as I am - a bucket of tears.
I love myself as I am -
