Time Transfixed was painted by Rene Magritte, a Surrealist from Belgium, in 1938. It is part of the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.  This work could be a reference to the derailment in Paris in 1895 when a train came through the exterior wall of the Gare Montparnasse Terminus and onto the street below though that connection is not referenced. This beautifully executed work is like an optical illusion for the mind and heart. The clarity of the image is contrasted by the puzzling composition. It seems like a descriptive poster for 2020. Why not have a train come through a fireplace into a perfectly appointed room based on the careful decisions of aesthetics and privilege?  “Why not” could name our shrug to this year of the unexpected and debilitating.

And into this scene we also carry our belief in God’s constant presence and care.  We can face the unprecedented nature of the world within the surrounding love of God. We can keep our feet on the ground of our faith as the world spins on its true, scientific axis and on untrue, man-made lies and dysfunction. We have proven this. Now we can shift our gaze to the measured, centered work ahead.

May we all look past the time the train that came through the fireplace and breathe our prayers of gratitude and hope. Thanks be to God. Amen.

In hope and faith,

Sandy Prouty

Minister of Children and Families

Montview Church