Returning home!

This painting in one of the rooms of the Big Bunglow at CMC Vellore held my attention for its brilliance and theme. 

The colour of the painting suggests that it is the dusk when the clear sky is crimson with a radiant hue of lighter colour on the clouds. The Light before the darkness! The light is radiant and bright in a splendid fashion, easy for the eye to behold, in the background of darkness that is setting in  slowly. The darkness is stifling, threatening and restricting in nature in one way. Before the restraining impact of darkness can impact us, there is a glow of grace in abundance for humans to receive. This Light is the symbol of the eternal Light that Jesus of Nazareth brought to humanity through His earthly presence- the light which is hope generating amidst the darkness and gloom around. The barren trees in the painting remind us of the ‘desert’ climate which prevails. We too can have seasons of inner desert experiences sometimes in our lives! 

The theme of this painting is ,'returning home’! The two humans and a dog walking back after the day’s labour!. As it is often, the woman bears the burden of the load of firewood on her head and walks couched. It is an awakening call to humanity to recognise that women who opt to bear the burdens of the rest of the family, is the source of grace in our homes. The man with is work implement is less couched and walks freely. Men seem to opt to live their lives, less connected with the realities of the burdens of others in the family by self congratulating for for being the wage earner of the household. Much is expected from the one to whom much is given! Men can bear the burdens of others little more! The dog leads them in to their way home. The dog has become their companion tarrying with them through the day to take them back to their home ! The dog reminds of them of the home all through the demanding work load of the day and waits for them to return! The dog calls them back to their centre, the home,  lest the struggles of daily living tempt them to go on working! The dog seems to represent the mission of the Spirit God in human hearts calling us to return to God who is our home. 

In the Old Testament the prophet Isaiah suggests that ‘..in return and rest you shall be saved..’(Isiah.30.15)

Let me thank the painter, who conveyed such a meditative theme in his painting.