Wrestling with the Angel
by Elizabeth Tillar
Title
Wrestling with the Angel
Artist
Elizabeth Tillar
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Jacob is said to have wrestled with the angel of Peniel (Genesis 32:22-32) and to have undergone a transformational interior experience.
"Cultural and religious influences shape the expression, even the experience, of mystical consciousness, of course. Yet there is something essentially similar about mystical encounters that transcends cultural and religious particulars. The mystical experience eclipses ego-attachments and thereby provides an opportunity for greater conscious awareness of what limits conceptualization and often impedes improvement of our flawed human institutions. Because mystical awareness is experiential and characteristically transcends sensory awareness and discursive reason, the intellect does not comprehend in the usual way; it is therefore impossible to communicate such an experience adequately through language, music, or the graphic/plastic arts. Yet through those very channels and others, such as devoted service, something of the mystical experience can be shared and recognized, as any great literature, whether poetry or prose, gives us glimpses of truths that are impossible to apprehend through analysis or convey through explanation."
Elizabeth Kennedy Tillar, "'Dark Light': Wrestling with the Angel at the Edge of History," in Edward Schillebeeckx and Contemporary Theology, edited by Lieven Boeve, Frederiek Depoortere, and Stephan van Erp (London: T&T Clark, 2010), 142-160.
Uploaded
March 21st, 2015
Embed
Share
Similar Images
Comments (39)
Bijan Pirnia
Good Monday morning to a virtuoso artist with a heart of gold, I haven't been to your beautiful gallery in a long time. I thought I'd better stop by for more inspiration, not only from your art, but also from your words in your eloquent biography. I also read your descriptions with great delight. I agree whole-heartedly with your assertion that "truths that are impossible to apprehend through analysis." Personal experiences have taught me that the most meaningful and profound truth exists in your soul, not in your head. That's why Franz Kafka wrote something to the effect that you don't have to go anywhere or do anything. Just make a habit of being silent, and the universal truth will reveal itself to you freely in ecstacy. It has to. It has no choice. I wish you a joyous Christmas season and a prosperous 2023. Take care, my lady.
Elizabeth Tillar
Kathleen, thank you for the wonderful comment; it is very much appreciated! And thanks also for making this image a favorite and sharing it!
Gabriella Weninger - David
WOW... This is just STUNNING Elizabeth... fantastic perspective, great view and so GORGEOUS Image!
Elizabeth Tillar replied:
Gabriella, thank you very much for your enthusiasm for this piece! I am so thrilled to know you like it; your details are much appreciated!
Elizabeth Tillar
Lisa, thank you so very much for your lovely comment and for favoriting this image!
Elizabeth Tillar
Chris, thank you very much for your wonderful compliment and for sharing this image!
Elizabeth Tillar
Sandi, thank you so much for your very positive comment! And thank you for favoriting this image!
Elizabeth Tillar
Guido, thank you very much for your wonderful comment and for favoriting the image!
Elizabeth Tillar
Randy, what a wonderful compliment; I am so humbled and elated at one and the same moment by your comment. Thank you very much, my new friend.
Elizabeth Tillar
Heather, thank you very much for your wonderful comment on this piece. I am elated that you deeply appreciate it!
Recently Viewed
