Hidden Images

Recently, I've looked at some of the photos I've made and realized again that there are subtle images that may not be in the forefront, however that are very visible upon further reflection. And those images invariably are spiritual in nature for me.

This photograph is of the centre of a tulip. The beauty, intricacy and perfect symmetry of the detail is really quite something. I call this photograph "Fireball" because as I reflect upon it, that's what I see. From a spiritual perspective, it reminds me of the flame of fire at Pentecost that was overwhelming and awesome.

On Canada Day, we went to a local fireworks display. The images were awesome and beautiful at the same time. I decided to experiment with the "fireworks" setting on my camera. The images I captured of the fireworks in the sky had other images imbedded in them.

This was one of my favorite photographs of the evening. What I saw was a candle in the middle with the light beaming from the center. The brightness is overwhelming and speaks to me of the light of Christ shining in the darkness of our world. In particular, I thought of the great light of Easter, the light of the Risen Christ and the glorious message of the Exsultet, the ancient hymn of praise celebrating the new light ... "Accept this Easter candle. May it always dispel the darkness of this night"

Again in this image, the sky is lit up with various colours forming different patterns of light. The image that I see in this photograph is the phoenix rising from the ashes. Again, a sign of resurrection, new life and hope. And what a beautiful image that is at the center of our faith in the risen Christ. So many people today embrace the hopefulness and promise that out of the ashes can come new life with a renewed sense of hope and faith.

Finally, again this image shows different light and shape formations in the sky which on their own look quite beautiful. Looking deeper into the photograph, I see the dove of baptism. The stark white, glowing image of the dove speaks of purity, peace, newness of life and again ultimately hope. The story of Jesus baptism comes to mind. Imagine experiencing that dove sent by God with the message "You are my beloved, with you I am well pleased!"

When you look at these images, what do you see? Send me a reply if you'd like. I'd love to hear from you about what you see and what you experience.