The Icon as a path of encounter and union with Christ through Mary
“The icon is not a portrait, but a foretaste of the future transfigured humanity” (Eugenij Trubetzkoy) and “gives testimony of the world beyond and its dwellers. It doesn´t demonstrate, it shows” (Sergei Bulgakov).
Experiencing this divine presence by the contemplation of the icon -that is never abstract and never stops impacting those who live it- there awakens in those who contemplate it the desire for true Beauty, God´s one. Many people feel attracted and experience great consolation and recollection when, in silence, they contemplate the icon, raising their prayer to God.
The icon of Mary, Mother of pilgrims, reveals to us, if we dispose ourselves to discover her true sense and beauty, that she is the safe means and the direct way to reach Jesus. Her right hand points to her Son, inviting us to believe and trust in him, as if the desire of her Heart were that we truly recognize him as our Savior. Over her left hand, as on a throne, is Child Jesus. In his hands, he holds the Book of the Holy Scriptures, that contain the revealed Truth. The phrases “I am” and “The Way” are written on it, to point out that he is God and at the same time he is the way that takes us to the Father. In her left hand, together with the Child, Mary also holds a cross, sign of our giving, following of and union with Jesus. Mary´s right hand points to Jesus, as if she were telling us: “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2: 5), interceding for all of us as well.
Under the right sleeve of the Virgin´s cloak, all the pilgrims are represented, those that are walking and being guided by her, those on the path of giving and offering themselves. Mary, the Mother, encourages and supports them in every moment and shows them the Way, that is Jesus. They wear a distinctive brown habit, typical of pilgrims, symbol of the earth and sign of their own smallness, frailty and need for Mary`s intercession. Their hands are outstretched in an attitude of giving, offering all their lives to Jesus through his mother. The Virgin is also dressed with the dark cloak of those who pilgrim, symbolizing thus her desire of walking along us during all our lives. The look of Jesus and Mary are open to all of us.
