The Beatitudes

The Eight Beatitudes Biblical Illuminated Calligraphy Print ---------------------- This vibrant artwork, inspired by traditional medieval manuscripts, showcases each of Christ's eight "Beatitudes" (blessings) with an image from nature that illustrates those who are blessed.  The first Beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit...", is accompanied by an image of a Dead Sea sparrow. This bird would have been familiar to His original audience, and describes what He meant by poor in spirit - blessed are those who, like the sparrow, rely on God's providence. The mourners of the second Beatitude are signified by a weeping willow tree; the third's meek are a lamb. Those who thirst for righteousness - a deer drinking from a stream. I've always been struck by the Psalmist's words: "As the deer longs for running water, so I long for you, my God." On the right hand side of the piece, a pelican depicts the merciful. The pelican of medieval myth (though not in actuality) was believed to pierce its