Procurvus (Curved Outward)
Pastel
By Anonymous
John 15:8-12
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my
commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Saint Augustine first coined the phrase “incurvatus in se” (Latin for turned/curved inward on oneself). Because of our fallen nature, we are naturally and deeply curved in on ourselves. We ferociously seek all things for our own pleasure, glory, or sake. We demand that life, others, and even God Himself bend to our will, our happiness, our perspective, for our benefit. The life lived “inward” and bent toward and for oneself is a dark, lonely, and
unsatisfying life. Joy, happiness, and fullness is found as we throw our heads back, take our gaze off ourselves, and “curve outward” toward God and others.”
Soli Deo Gloria