Three-In-One: An Icon of Shared Leadership
Henri Nouwen observed that Rublev's Icon of the Trinity (1425 A.D.) would leave us in distant awe of the divine mystery if it did not so profoundly invite us into deeper intimacy with God (Behold the Beauty of the Lord: Praying with Icons, Ave Maria Press: 1987. Kindle Edition, location 143). The icon reveals something important to us about vocation, Nouwen suggests, if we look closely enough to notice the circle and the cross.
The circle connects together the Father (left), the Son (top), and the Spirit (right), while leaving a space at the base of the circle for any and all who pray with the icon. The cross moves vertically from the Son down through the altar to the viewer's opening in the circle and horizontally from the Father to the Spirit. As Nouwen writes, "There is indeed no circle without a cross, no life eternal without death, no gaining life without losing it...Circle and cross can never be separated" (location 150). Nouwen presses the point by recalling the martyrs who have given their lives for the liberation of others. We are called to pray with the truth that Christian fellowship will never be free of suffering: "Still, this is the only way because it is God's way...the way that leads to the peace and joy the world does not know" (location 158).
I once consulted with three individuals who share equal leadership for a national organization. We prayed together with the Icon of the Trinity for two reasons. First, the roots of genuinely shared leadership among Christians are always sunk deep in the mysterious intimacy between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and this icon invites us into that reality. Secondly, this icon reminds us that Christian leaders themselves draw people's attention to the divine circle and cross.
Although it will be an ongoing challenge for these three leaders to effectively articulate and exercise the dynamics of their mutuality, it is clearer now that their striving to do so does model something important for those they serve. The members of their community look to these leaders like anyone who gazes upon this icon. They do not want answers as much as they want a sense of being wrapped up in the mystery of God. They seek the fellowship of the holy circle while they endure the inexplicable cross. They look to their leaders in hopes of recognizing the presence of God, finding ways to participate in the divine mission, and experiencing peace and joy amid life's ambiguities.
Christian leaders are called to pray with and practice the mystery of the Trinity. Pull up a chair. There is room at the table for all as we live into the circle and the cross.
Questions for prayerful reflection...
Gaze gently upon the icon. What do you see that draws you into the presence of God?
What aspects of the Trinity do you find mirrored in your community's mission and charism?
How are you being led to pray for greater freedom in yourself, your community, and the world?
Rest silently in the grace of God.