Today’s Life-Line is:

The dignity of the artist
lies in his duty of keeping awake
the sense of wonder in the world.
In this long vigil
he often has to vary his methods of stimulation;
but in this long vigil
he is also himself
striving against a continual tendency
to sleep.

~ Marc Chagall

REFLECTION: Dorothy Day refers to “the duty of delight.” Chagall speaks of the artist’s duty to keep the sense of wonder alive. This is a summons to all of us. Our dignity lies within our response to the call. Chagall’s emphasis is that it is not done merely for one’s own well-being but for the good of all “in the world.” During this long vigil of COVID, what are we doing or what can we do to keep awake the sense of wonder in the world?

ARTWORK: Marc Chagall, The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, 1914/1918