Artworks for Easter and Doctrine & Covenants 29-40
Our artistic exploration of the Doctrine & Covenants continues! Each month, we'll share artworks from our permanent collection or visiting exhibitions that accompany the coming month's Come, Follow Me readings. You can also subscribe to get email reminders when new artworks are ready or follow along weekly on Instagram or Facebook. We hope that art-lovers everywhere will be inspired by these artworks as they complement their gospel study, family discussions, and church classes with fine art from around the world.
March 31 - April 6
Today, as millions across the world set aside time to listen to the words of living prophets, we are reminded of the importance of gathering as a global church. Just as the Nephites sat with their tents facing the temple, or the disciples of Christ hearkened to hear the Savior give the Sermon on the Mount, modern-day saints are “united in prayer according to [the Lord’s] command” (Doctrine & Covenants 29:6). This painting shows the physical gathering of thousands of faithful Church members to Salt Lake City. Today, we are spread across continents but spiritually united in our collective desire to receive the revelations and answered prayers that God has in store for us.
April 7-13
The Lord loves effort. His call to the early Saints to “gird up [their] loins” (Doctrine & Covenants 36:8) echoes previous instruction given to John Whitmer: “And your whole labor shall be in Zion” (Doctrine & Covenants 30:11). These verses refer specifically to the important spiritual work that continues to bring the gospel to nations across the world, but the sentiment is universal. Throughout scripture, the Lord repeatedly emphasizes righteous labor, and promises blessings to His children who work towards worthy goals. For the farm hands seen in the painting above, their labor literally reaps the rewards of nourishment and livelihoods. You might find joy in the work of raising children, developing your talents, or expanding your knowledge. As you go about your work, look for the blessings and rewards your labor brings to your life and the lives of others.
How have you seen the Lord’s hand in your daily work?
April 14-20
To many Christians, the time between Christ’s death and His resurrection represents a new beginning. The healing power of the Atonement allowed the Savior to redeem the souls of those who had died without the gospel, and give hope to those who had yet to be born. The resurrection brought with it another new beginning, as Jesus broke the bands of death and fulfilled the promise of not only salvation, but eternal life. Today, as we celebrate Easter, ponder the new beginnings in your life. Take stock of your daily opportunities for growth and gratitude, and reflect on the joyous gift of redemption and hope that Easter represents.
Where do you see new beginnings in your life?
April 21-27
Here is a painting without a defined subject. There is no object or person or scene being depicted, and yet there is still an important lesson to be found within its lines and shapes. The artist has chosen a beautiful color palette of blue and yellow, and has worked the different shades and tones to become harmonious. The lines are calm, not slashing across each other. It is no surprise, then, that this painting is titled Spirit of Unity. This is a depiction of an emotion, the feeling of working together and creating something beautiful.
The Lord repeatedly asks His children to be unified. His commandment in Doctrine & Covenants 38:27 to “be one” echoes His love of peace, harmony, and collective diligence. Discouraged by a divisive and contentious world, we may feel that unity is beyond our grasp. But the Lord promises that we may be “a righteous people” (Doctrine & Covenants 38:31) if we put aside our differences and create spaces of harmony and peace. This righteous unity allows the vain things of the world to fall away, and the light and truth of the gospel can turn us into a beautiful whole.
How can we create righteous unity?
