Ruth 1 and Genesis 1: Two sermons in a time of ending and beginning

Abstract

During a time of transition in their pastorate, a congregation invited me to offer two sermons focused on the theme of transition. For each sermon, those in attendance reflected on a piece of art that was interpretive of the focal text: (i) Marc Chagall’s Naomi and Her Daughters-in-Law with Ruth 1:1–14 and (ii) Barbara Hepworth’s Genesis with Gen 1:1–19. Two elements assisted attendees in the process of engaging with the art: I offered a series of prompts and questions for viewing the art, followed by a time of silent reflection. When art is both generative, it compels a response from viewers, and revelatory, it shows viewers something they did not previously see, it can be an aid to reflecting upon and interpreting biblical texts.