Fra Angelico and Fra Filippo Lippi
The Adoration of the Magi, c. 1440/1460, Location, National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
(detail of the procession)
This painting takes up an entire gallery wall in the National Gallery of Art. I love tracing the rolling, roaring crowd. Everyone is eager to pay homage to Jesus. In reality, there couldn't have been such an adoring crowd at the time of Jesus' birth. His divine nature was hidden under the frality of a tiny baby boy. Only a few devote souls were called to witness the birth of the "Hope of the World."
Now is the time to turn back to the path of the Lord. Now is the time to wash your baptismal garment. Now is the time to fine too your manner of devotions. Now is the time to reach out and increase your prayers, your almsgiving and your fasting. Now is the time to pay homage to our risen Lord. Saint Peter, pray for us all to join the happy crowd of your Mother Church this Lenten Season.
