Page 6 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 1

We are moving together

a deterring, threatening or controversial alienation, but
rather an interesting treasury collected by other persons
with whom I am united at a deep level by the experience
of shared worship and adoration of God. An interesting
treasury which makes me inquisitive, which does not
cast doubts on me, but rather offers an incentive to move
“forward”. We move together. In this way arose and arises
friendship in which spiritual dimensions can be felt. Jesus
described himself, at the end of his journey amongst us,
as our friend (see inset: Abba Menas).
We wish to recognise each other as friends, as specialists
and, at the same time, as brothers and sisters. In this we
are following a longing in our hearts for unity and friend-
ship. Trust and close personal relationships should be,
however important the role of specialist exchange and
discussion, a recurrent and tangible feature of our fellow- Reference
ship. Halder, Kathrin (2011) Die Grundlagen Christlicher Psychologie. Ein
Lehrbuch, Band 1: Zum Wirklichkeitsverständnis der Psychologie. Kit-
We are moving together in unity and diversity, and are zingen: IGNIS Edition
amazed at the riches of our Christian traditions, at the Halder, Kathrin (2011) Die Grundlagen Christlicher Psychologie. Ein
creativity possible within our limitations, rejoicing in our Lehrbuch, Band 2: Zum Wirklichkeitsverständnis der Christlichen Psy-
chologie. Kitzingen: IGNIS Edition
cultural variety and attentive to the questions, experien- Delitzsch, Franz (1885): A system of Biblical psychology, T. & T. Clark,
ces and areas of responsibility of each of us. German 1855
We speak to each other as with a friend, and each has the Keyser, Leander S. (1928, 1945): A Handbook of Christian Psychology,
Burlington Iowa: Kessinger Pub. Co reprint 2007
right to stay a stranger. Stalker, James (1914): Christian Psychology, Bibliobazaar reprint 2009

Abba Menas “… The icon shows the intimate friendship of
Christ towards Menas and of Menas towards
Christ. Menas is one of the most important saints
of the Coptic Church.
This laying on of hands by Jesus Christ is unique
in iconography. Menas knows that Christ is at his
side, he feels his arm on his shoulder. The icon
communicates a close familiarity but, neverthel-
ess, the space between both indicates a distance.
Both stand on their own feet with a calm famili-
arity …
Menas carries the scroll, the words of the Gospel,
which he is called to live out. He has followed the
call and risked everything. With this testimony he
points to Christ, who is Himself the whole Gos-
pel. Menas became the witness who remained
true to Jesus Christ in the decisive situation. He
payed for his witness with his life. In the back-
ground, the desert is suggested. In Hebrew, “de-
sert” can also be translated as “great conversati-
on”. In the desert, the conversation between God
and us takes place. Here he speaks to our hearts.
Christ and Menas – an icon of friendship. “I can
speak to him as with a friend, although he is the
Lord,” as Teresa of Avila said. They have come to
resemble each other. The same facial expression,
the same calm, the same light shines round them.
Both look in the same direction, they are oriented
towards the Father’s Kingdom. “Whoever wishes
to serve me, let him follow me; and wherever I
am, there my servant shall be also. And whoever
serves me will honour my Father.” (Jn. 12, 26)
(After Sr. Anna-Maria aus der Wiesche, Community of
the Christ-Brotherhood Selbitz, Germany)

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