It is what John of the cross called “luminous darkness,” and it explains the simultaneous coexistence of deep suffering and intense joy in the saints, which would be impossible for most of us to even imagine. Eastern Orthodoxy believed that if something was authentic religious art, it would always have a bright sadness. I think I agree with them, and am saying the same of life itself.

Yet another passage from Richard Rohr’s remarkable book about the two halves of life, Falling Upward.

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Painting above by Jan van Eyck, Arnolfini

Tags:articonographyJan van Eyckluminous darknessRichard Rohrsadness