Considering the Chains God Still Breaks Reflections from Rome
“God is bigger than our failures and stronger than any chains that bind us.”
- Jennifer Rothschild
My favorite church in Rome was only a few blocks from the Guest House where we stayed. San Pietro in Vincoli, which means Saint Peter in Chains, is a minor basilica that houses Saint Peter’s chains as well as Michelangelo’s famous statue of Moses. The church, smaller than many we visited, was not only beautiful but felt intimate.
One early morning before too many tourists were out and about, I spent almost an hour meditating and writing in my journal in the church while Ron wandered about taking photos.
The chains that bound the Apostle Peter in the Mamertine Prison in Rome are kept in an urn at the church’s altar. (Please Note: Because flashes were not allowed, the low light in the churches caused color in many of Ron’s photos to be less than desirable.)
… Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off [Peter’s] hands. (Acts 12:6-7 ESV)
A couple days after spending time in San Pietro in Vincoli, Ron and I visited the Vatican where we saw this painting of Peter being awakened by the “angel of the Lord.”
As I looked upon Peter’s chains that morning, I prayerfully pondered if invisible chains keep me feeling bound and prevent me from being the woman God designed me to be and doing the good work God has given me to do. My prayer was simple:
Dear God,
Thank You for sending an angel to awaken and break Peter’s prison chains.
When I am unaware of chains that bind me, wake up my soul!
Remind me You are still the “Chain-Breaker.”
Amen
The huge statue of Moses, carved by Michelangelo, was completed in 1515. I wondered about the significance of the horns carved into Moses’ head but learned the artist intended them to represent the “radiance of the Lord” upon Moses. Hmmm! “Radiance” would probably be a
Blessings on your journey,
