god

Jesus gives the great gift of Himself in the 5th and last Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist. This is the Sacrament in which in chapter 6 of the Gospel says: "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you" to this statement in John 6:66 "After this many of his disciples went back; and walked no more with him". Indeed it is a hard saying to accept but Jesus was firm "67: Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you also wish to go away?' 68: Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; 69: and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." Let us accept Jesus' great gift in the one and only Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and if we can't make it for whatever reason let us pray the Holy Spirit to dwell more fully in our hearts and enkindle our Souls in the Love and the Peace of God. Peace be with you all. #Jesus, #gospel, #rosary, #catholic, #christian, #eucharist

The 3rd Luminous Mystery, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus taught many beautiful teachings about the Kingdom of God and how to live a life of virtue and the rewards of such a life. He wants us to fully enter into the Divine Will because he loves us so much and wants to be powerfully present in our lives in order to heal and strengthen us. He loves us and in this mystery we meditate upon his enrapturing and beautiful Word, which is Himself. He gives us His word because he wants to give us Himself. God is too awesome! ^_^ Fiat

And here it is! The Theophany (Manifestation of the Holy Trinity on earth for our Salvation), The 1st Luminious Mystery of Light: The Baptism of Jesus! Here's some of the symbolism explained: John the Baptist gestures up and down indicating the Divinity and Humanity of Christ. Christ blesses John. Christ identifies himself with our purification and with mankind. Voice of Father and Spirit reveal Trinity. Dove reminds us of Noah's flood, Christ Baptism frees us from the flood of sin. Angels are submissive and glorify God as we should. Ax cuts down the fruitless "The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire" (Matthew 3:10). Christ blesses water to become water of renewal. Jordan river, the fleeing man in the water, turns back (Psalm 113), and the seas are represented by the drake. Hope ya'll enjoy! ^_^

The Fifth and final Joyful Mystery: The Finding of Jesus in the Temple. Young Jesus is so cool, can you just immagine all the wisdom and grace pouring out of him at Nazareth? "That kid is amazing!" the temple elders and priests probably said but they had no idea how amazing he actually is, because he's God! Super power packed! lol Luke Chapter 2: 40-52 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him. 41 And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch, 42 And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, 43 And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. 44 And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. 45 And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. 48 And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's business? 50 And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men.

The 4th Joyful Mystery, the Presentation of Jesus. I put Joseph up front because he had a very important part not only in the Circumsision of Jesus after 8 days but also the Presentation of Jesus after 40 days. In fact the Fathers are the ones who offer the sacrifice in private (with other jewish priests etc.) in order to "Redeem" the child. Hence one of Saint Joseph's titles: "The Redeemer of the Redeemer". He also has the unique title of the "Savior of the Savior" because in the flight to Egypt after this event Joseph saved Jesus from the hands of Herod. Oh and I got to see the tomb of Saint Simeon! It's in Zadok and we got to see his body, he still had flesh but his beard had fallen out (poor guy, lol). He was a very holy man, I could feel the graces there. ^_^ St. Simeon and St. Anna the Prophetess, pray for us! Luke 2: 22-39 22 And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him (Jesus) to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: 23 As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord: 24 And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons: 25 And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him. 26 And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: 29 Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; 30 Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: 32 A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; 35 And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed. 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was far advanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. 37 And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. 38 Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed o the Lord; and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. 39 And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth

its igital painting over a real model nude, if you have read DUNE of Frank Hervert, even exist the movie n the series,its the son of Paul Muadib the messaia of arrakis, his son took the path he couldn take, the golden path!!

The mouth of god.

And Finally it's Saint Matthew giving a high-five to his Symbolic Angel (Or "human with wings" technically)! I Made it more like a fairy or something, it's not like a mount like the other symbols of the evangelists. So Matthew looks a little more Fatherly because in the Gospel of Matthew the theme of God the Father is the strongest of the gospels (mentioned more times etc.), also it's the only account that gives the account of the Annunciation to St. Joseph and lots of details on St. Joseph, the virginal Father of Jesus on Earth. (I should probably redo St. John since I did the others with more detail, I actually I did that version of St. John a few years ago but I finally decided to color and outline it recently. All the others are new though.) Let me know if you want to see anything! I'll probably do the mysteries of the Rosary next. ^_^

It's St. Luke the Evangelist on his symbolic Winged Ox! I actually visited his tomb in Padua before my first vows awhile back. And I saw his painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bologna. He is definately the Evangelist I am most devoted to because he is the patron of Artists! He is also a physician and because my religious name Raphael means "God Heals" and the Divine Physician there is also that connection. St. Luke Physician, Artist and Evangelist, pray for us! ^_^

I've always loved Hedgehogs ever since Sonic the Hedgehog. Here in Italy there are actually wild hedgehogs, when I found out I had to try and find one. Usually at night if we are driving I will be attentive to find some critters. I've seen crested porcipines, boars, badgers, weasels, owls, eagles, bats, lizards, deer and other things. But for awhile I never saw a hedgehog (one time I thought i did but that doesn't count), but finally about a year ago I finally found one while passing through the country of San Marino (it's in Italy)! It was crossing the road and it was the hugest hedgehog I have ever seen! Thanks be to God! lol. It was about the size of like a big small dog or something, probably about a foot long. So yeah I had to draw one in tribute of my weird obsession to find one, haha.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94LscmrB3Ss

So if Animal Crossing had a Catholic Church, one of the windows might look like this, because in the museum there are several cathedral windows with an Owl on them (Blathers). It's interesting how this particular art form of the church has inspired cultures throughout the ages, even in our modern times in video games. An owl is a symbol of wisdom. So this is the Eucharist, fount of all wisdom or rather even Wisdom itself (as He is God). Heh, it's pretty fun finding all these lil Catholic things in games ^_^

Honestly I had to draw the nun because I was so inspired when in the conjuring 2 Ed draw her and she scares the hell out of Lorraine.

I feel I'm not nearly experienced enough yet with digital drawing/painting to do this goddess justice, but there it is.

Painted at some ungodly hour on the 28th of February, 2017 – love the textures

Philippians 4:6 NLT- Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. My style is drawing bible-based colouring sheets which I share here and on Instagram as drawn_to_dwell.

Mjolnir is Thor's best battle weapon, sometimes dare we say, his bestie! And when the wicked Skrull and Kree Empires threaten to enslave and lay waste to Earth, Thor turns to his best friend to assist him in slaying the evils of the galaxy!!!! (Inspired by Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes cartoon) Thank you

When needing the Greek Goddess of Magic and the Triple Moon it comes in handy to have her calling card.

Greek Goddess of Intuition

Greek Goddess of wisdom

my pen and ink over graphite outlines of my take of the goddess pasithea, goddess of relaxation.

World gone to hell Sons duaghters leaving their families homes, dying of a new and namles plague. Where are the gods? And what has become of my hero? I am king, but no more subjects are under my command. A kingdom falls. A new age dawns, the illest omens herald its bitter arrival . God preserve us. We have forasken god, they do not forasake us. This is why we must be stricken with sickness. . . .. … … Weep for me. Weep for all our brothers and sisters. And now every uncreative poet and halfwit bard seeks to make drama of our troubles. We are their muse, their grand epic to tell the children. Fear the virus, dont look away, disturb the dead, praise us for our lies to you. They lead the masses to slay each out of fear. Cry. Yes, cry Cry for your fallen. They will not be returning for you soon. But you are still alive, and for that you shall become stronger. Onward We cannot always bury the dead. Today , time is against us. We move foward, we carry the sorrow, but the ultimate goal is to defeat sorrow. Whatever form this darkess takes, we face it. Unafraid. And unrelenting. Forge on into the night. Not gently and quiet shall be our passing. For, if i am to end, and you likewise, we plant our flag atop the highest hill. We scream our battle cry and let none forget our actions . The very mountains will shake, and echo our last breath. This is my promise. If i shall die, i die as i am now A man. I have decided. So, i die ….. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKXBKF6a2BWVDy_SgMvk8GQ?view_as=subscriber

TheStephen Vattimo 7 mins The Three Witnesses Acrylic on Canvas Size :48"x68" Year finished: 2004-14 This painting illustrates three witnesses who are taking part in the salvation of a homeless person. the figure in the background is angled, this imposed by them being Positioned on second-floor balconies, symbolizing they are not humans, they are a higher class of beings. To the left side of the painting a demon and to the right side an angel of God . the kingdoms they serve are identified by the breastplate emblems of their armor. The demon has a dragon head overlaid on a pentagram. The angle of God has a lions head overlaid on a cross. The demon face is partly hidden by a hood which represents deception, where in contrast the angle of God is wearing nothing on his head that hiders the view of his face., representing honest. Angel is always involved in the affairs of the human race. The demon is warring against man to turn their heart against God, and lead them to destruction. God's angel is always warring lead mankind to salvation through Jesus the Christ, and lead him away from the path of destruction that comes from sinful living. The ally way is representing three kingdoms, to the left, the kingdom o Hell. The center road, the kingdom of mankind. To the right side, the kingdom of Heaven. The path of these kingdoms is represented by the direction of stairs. To go the way of Hell is to take the stairs down to the sub-level door. To the go, the way of heaven is to take the fire escape upward. The lighting and the condition of the structures of the walls also identify the nature of the kingdoms they represent. The kingdom of Hell is represented by the dark and crumbling wall. Man's kingdom is represented by a boarded up windowed wall that is a dead end. Symbolizing that mankind only has two roads to chose from, there is no such thing as a third reality. The left side of the paint is a cardboard box and a newspaper floor which serve as a makeshift shelter for the homeless man. The turned over bottle reveals which devise he had that lead him to a life of living in the street. The tipped over trash can which spills its trash onto the light source that is lighting the alleyway, which is in the shape of a cross, represents mankind's sin which Jesus The Christ paid in full the debt which God demand for the payment for sin which is death. So that The guiltless took the place of the guilty, that by faith in this truth all will escape Hell and enter the Kingdom of God as children and heirs of The Highest God. The Homeless man, who is dirty,ill-clothed, cold, tired, hungry, hopeless, symbolizes the condition of Mankind outside a flourishing relationship with God. The Christian witness is better dressed implying he is walking with God, and his life is blessed through God provision. The witness is showing compassion and the love of Christ to this homeless man by wrapping his arm around the shoulder of the dirty smelly homeless man. He points the homeless man in the direction of the path that leads to salvation through faith in the work of Jesus The Christ which is His work on the Cross, receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior. That through a relationship with the Christ, He can receive the guidance, the strength, the willpower to leave his old life of being a drunkard and living in the street. Because in Christ old thing pass away, and all thing are made new. The light that falls on the Christian witness and the homeless man and opens up in the shape of the cross in the alleyway, comes from a heavenly source outside the picture. Written by Stephen J.Vatttimo June 16, 2014

Peter took His Eye off Jesus and began to sink. Medium: Acrylic on canvas Size: 11”x 15” Date: 2019-2020 This illustration is one of nine, in a mural about the ministry of Christ. This image is block number 7. This painting illustrates Jesus rescuing peter, as he start to sink in to the sea, because he lost his faith when took his eyes off Jesus, and focused on the violence of the winds and waves of the storm. Matthew 14:22-33 New American Standard Bible (NASB) Jesus Walks on the Water 22 Immediately He [a]made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already [b]a long distance from the land, [c]battered by the waves; for the wind was [d]contrary. 25 And in the [e]fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out [f]in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!” When I did my research, I Found very few biblical accurate illustrations of the event. Very few captured the darkness and valiance of a stormy sky taking place at 3:00 am in the morning (which is the forth watch of the night. Many illustrations I found, their skies were too bright and calm. I found that the seas in these illustration had the same lack of movement and violence, the sea would have in a storm that was so strong the disciples were not able to make any headway in their crossing the lake. I notice that all illustrations of Jesus walking on water, show the viewer His feet. In reality the waves would most likely block the viewer from seeing his feet on top of the water. The unavoidable black eye in most of these illustrations of Jesus walking on water, is the ridicules and unrealistic possess they have Jesus in, of Him rescuing Peter. You know the ones where He is making some kind of sign with one hand, as it is held up toward the sky, and one hand reaching down to peter. What was I trying to accomplish in my illustration? I want to be careful, to being accurate with costumes styles, and colors worn by the poor people of Galilean society. I wanted to be accurate in illustrating a storm on the sea of Galilee. I looked over numerous photos on line, of storms taking place on the Sea of Galilee. To understanding how the water and sky behave during a storm I studied the colors of sky, clouds, and water, during these conditions, in this location of the world? Showing movement in the air and the water. I used stylist brush strokes, to create movement in the sky and in the water. I am hoping to make people feel the storm’s violent energy. Showing power of the wind blowing against the bodies of Jesus and peter, through the movement of clothes, and hair. Showing the anxiety of Pete, with his body swallowed up to the waist, his face looking up to Jesus to rescue him from drowning. Showing that Jesus offers security to Peter, from being swept away by the wave of the sea. By his secure grasp of Peter’s back arms. He is able to lift Peter out of the water. The message I want my view to receive, is that everyone who comes into the world will experience trials and tribulation. We can overcome our fears and be filled with courage, to enable us to battle our ways through these storm in life. When we place our trust in the one who has authority over the power of the storm, who is Jesus a member of the trinity of God that created all things. Written by Stephen J. Vattimo 3/16/2020

Sower and the Seed This painting illustrates the parable “The Sower and the Seed,” a teaching of Jesus recorded in the book of Matthew chapter 13. The four hearts in the sky represent four different responses of those who hear the Gospel message. The heart on the lower left represents those who have heard the gospel but reject it. The devil then comes and takes it away from their hearts. This is illustrated by the crows flying away with the seed that fell on the road side. The second heart on the upper left side of the sky represents those who receive the gospel message with joy, but it doesn’t take root in their faith, and their faith is temporal, falling away when trials or affliction come their way because of the gospel. This is illustrated by a grape vine withering away in the heat of the day due to a lack of a deep root system. The heart in the upper right corner of the sky represents those who received the gospel and believe, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. This is illustrated by the grapevine being choked out by a purple, flower-bearing, climbing, strangling vine called, morning glory. These vines produce pretty flowers, but they are an organic farmer’s enemy because they will choke out his crops. I learned this firsthand in organic farming when I was a missionary for a couple of summers. The heart in the lower right corner of the sky represents those who hear, believe, and are committed to living for the gospel, so they produce much fruit. This is illustrated by a healthy, strong, fruit-bearing grapevine. The tilled field represents the world that God has prepared to receive the Gospel message. The sower represents all Christians that are commanded to go into the world and proclaim the gospel message. The seed being thrown by the sower represents the gospel message going out to the world. The seed bag has written on it, “The Word Seed Co.” (October 28, 2017)

Size 4' x 5' Painted on canvas Medium acrylic painted 1995 In this illustration i am trying to portray how active the spiritual world is in every day of our lives. How heaven and hell, these two kingdoms are battling it out to win our devotion. Even when A person chooses to become part of God's family, the believer will still have to struggle with the forces of darkness as long as we live in these mortal bodies. The room is suppose to look like it's on fire. This is to represent the destiny of man, spending eternity in the lake of fire, if he refuses to be saved through God plan of salvation. the two people in this paint are the two leader of the two kingdoms. The Devil on the left, Jesus on the right. They are both standing at the door way that will lead to their kingdoms. They are both beckoning the viewer to go through their door. In this painting I want the viewer to understand that spiritual battle take place with every decision we face. When we come to a spit in the road our we going to choose the right road or the wrong road? What ever road you Choose will sooner or later reap the reward. The reward will either be destruction or blessing, the blessed think is we choose I illustrated the devil in a beautiful purple robe with gold sequence , To show He is the king of the fallen angels. Purple in the Bible was worn by king and governors and ruling authorities. The purple hood is to show that Satan is a deceiver. He will take truth and twisted into a lie , kind of the way a person will put poison mix in peanut butter to get rid of an unwanted mouse. Most people don't recognize when the Devil is temping them, because the only view of Him they have is the movie the exorcist. But He is more effective when He appears in the form of a used car salesmen. The gold belt He wears and the golden door way represent His tactics to side tract us with the love of temporal thing such as the love of money , fame, power. If a person gain the whole world yet loose his soul what has he truly gained. Illustrated Jesus dressed in a golden Robe with a golden sash. This represent He is the High priest who offered the sacrifice that appeased the requirement to deliver man from the power of sin, and restore man back to fellowship with God The Father. The door way to heaven is made up of the cross that Jesus gave His life on. If you look at the painting closely you will see holes in Jesus hands and feet. You also can seen on the cross from the blood and the spike marks where Jesus was nailed to the cross. The devils door has endless darkness of Hell , where Jesus' door has endless light of heaven. The rocking chair was designer to represent contemplation. Their are hearts with question marks in side them on the head rest as well the seat. I think of people sitting in their rocking chair when they have a big decision to make. So i think before we make decision, we should thing what will be the fruit down the road. If I plant thistle when it grows up it will hurt me . If i plant wheat, when it grows up it will feed me.

Victory Through Prayer Medium: Water Color Markers on Illustration Board Size 2' x 4' Year completed: 1991 This illustration is part of a collection of artwork I did while in the military entitled, "The Army Years", I served in the Army National Guard for 5 years, and the regular Army for 4 years. One of the main reasons I got out of the military is because I didn't have much time to do my artwork. While I was stationed in Germany I did a few posters, and banners for a German/ American Playhouse, and I was in a European art show. This illustration was done during The Desert Shield / Desert Storm, during this war, many soldiers were afraid that our military equipment would fail to function due to the desert sand. While I was stationed in Germany, I attended a Christian hospitality house, that ministered to military personnel, and their families. I knew and heard of soldiers who died or were wounded in the war, we prayed for God's protection for those we knew were in harm's way. I believe the reason the casualties were low for the collision force is that God gave them a swift victory on the battlefield. No one should think that it was just might, and smart bombs, Iraq had the 4th largest military in the world. The Bible teaches that God causes the rise and the fall of nations. Decoding the symbolism : The " v " with lightning bolt shooting out of it =God giving the collision forces victory over Iraq's military. The large bold eagle with the arrows in its right talon, and with it's left talon open to attack, = the U.S. attacking Iraq. The banner made up of the flag of the collision, tie to the eagle's open talon= The U.S. leading the collision nation in the war against Iraq. The necklace with the cross attached to it, around the eagle's neck = God protect around the U.S. forces, the result of intercessory prayer of Christians. The flag of Iraq illustrated in the shape of the geological area mass of country, being shattered by the lighting = God judging Iraq, by giving the collision power to conquer Iraq and occupy her land. The land mass colored red at the bottom corner of Iraq = the country Kuwait, that Iraq invaded, that was the cause of the war. Written by Stephen J. Vattimo October 12, 2008