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Good morning.

One of my favourite paintings – and one which was introduced to me by my father – is by the French artist Nicolas Poussin, born this month in 1594. It’s displayed in beautiful surroundings in the Wallace Collection of Art in Hertford House, just north of Oxford Street in the West End of London – and it’s known as ‘A Dance to the Music of Time.’ Four dancing girls represent the four seasons of the year while old Father Time calls the tune on his lyre. The girls dance hand in hand forming a ring but facing outwards as if they’re inviting others to join them. The figure of Time the musician crouches over his instrument, a sinister rather than a kindly figure – Time that mocks us rather than Time that’s our friend. And I suppose, in a strange sort of way, that’s why the painting appeals. It’s an allegory, intended to alert the attention of the viewer and lead them to reflect on the human condition.

So what does it say to us?  As life moves on, it asks the question: what sort of person do you want to become; what sort of person do you want others to find you to be. This is a tremendously important choice. The way we are with others reflects the way we are within ourselves – and the way we are within ourselves reflects the way we are with God. So will you, won’t you, will you join the dance?

And that’s the challenge: how can we be sure? Sure of what? Sure that all will be well. Only by getting into the dance and allowing the leader to teach us the steps.

Lord, guide us in every moment of our lives and give us the courage to dare everything in your great service. Amen.