Gayle L. Goudy

Art + Belief Reflections

  • The missing nails in Dali’s “Christ of Saint John of the Cross” (1951)

    Reflection • Compares Dalí’s crucifixion to St. John of the Cross’s sketch to ask what it means to picture forgiveness. Argues that the absent nails and crown reframe sin as “remembered no more”—mercy made visible.

  • The Concordia Apostolorum (Harmony) Icon

    Reflection • Traces the icon of Peter and Paul embracing as a visual theology of disagreement held in communion. Uses Acts and Paul’s rebuke of Peter to ask whether our debates include neighbors—or push them from Christ’s love. Originally published in Words of Grace, Grace Church Cathedral (Charleston, South Carolina), July 2025.

  • Saint Joseph, an image of Fatherhood

    Reflection• Shows how apocryphal storytelling shaped centuries of Joseph’s depiction. Later, devotion reframed him as strong, present, and capable as demonstrated in Annigoni’s St. Joseph the Worker.

  • Leonardo’s “Virgin, Child and Saint Anne”: a Meditation on Motherhood

    Reflection • Uses apocryphal tradition (especially the Golden Legend) to illuminate Saint Anne as Mary’s steady foundation in motherhood. Leonardo’s composition as “holding on and letting go”—a theology of maternal love across generations. Originally published in Words of Grace, Grace Church Cathedral (Charleston, South Carolina), May 2025.

  • The Anastasis Icon

    Reflection • Explains why Eastern “Anastasis” images show not only Christ rising, but Christ raising Adam and Eve—victory with beneficiaries in view. Sets the icon alongside Western Resurrection imagery to highlight universal redemption and the Harrowing of Hell.

  • “The Two Sons”

    Reflection • Interprets Janknegt’s modern retelling as a map of sin, return, and the father’s jubilant grace in everyday American scenes. Centers the older brother’s self-righteous refusal as the parable’s enduring test: will we join mercy—or choose exclusion?