Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

In a recent reflection, Bishop James Conley discusses the spiritual journey from Lent to Easter, emphasizing the continued importance of Christ's wounds. He highlights the challenge of maintaining spiritual focus during this transition, noting, "Without the urgency of prayer and penance, the joy of Jesus's victory may pass us by." He draws parallels between personal wounds and Christ’s, suggesting that healing involves vulnerability and acknowledging one's struggles.

Bishop Conley reflects on art's role in spiritual understanding, mentioning how living in Rome exposed him to masterpieces by artists like Michelangelo and Caravaggio. Caravaggio's "The Incredulity of Saint Thomas" serves as a metaphor for understanding the risen Christ, with Conley noting, "The resurrected Jesus is available to us, offering his flesh to us in the Eucharist."

Further, Bishop Conley explores how art, writing, and music can foster spiritual reflection. He references Bishop Erik Varden’s translation of a medieval poem, which meditates on Christ’s wounds, and highlights Dietrich Buxtehude's musical work, "Membra Iesu Nostri," as means to contemplate suffering and redemption.

Conley ties these reflections into Dante's "Purgatorio," portraying the narrative as a journey of healing, with "God's grace...begin to heal the effects of sin to enable virtue to blossom." He relates this to the classic film "Bicycle Thieves," illustrating the idea through the film's depiction of struggle and eventual humility.

Bishop Conley’s reflections culminate in the encouragement to embrace the purification process, suggesting that these experiences lead us closer to God. As noted by him, the transition from Lent to Easter doesn’t remove suffering but purifies through Jesus’ sacrifice, reinforcing the resilience of faith.