Holy Theologian Bernard Lonergan
in the Mystery of the Eternal Processions
of the Most Blessed Trinity
It took over eighteen hundred years for people to recognize Origen as the great biblical and spiritual theologian that he was, as well as a philosopher. This came about through the work of the three wisemen, Danielou, de Lubac and von Balthasar, who together rehabilitated the master and placed him first in the majestic triumvirate of church theologians. And so now we have Origen next to Augustine and Thomas.
I was slow in coming to Lonergan because his massive work and intellect were so beyond me. I never would have made the pilgrimage this icon entailed without the help of two of Bernard Lonergan's friends, both Canadian Jesuits and the "Keepers of the Flame", Frederick Crowe, SJ and Robert Doran, SJ. It was in conversation with them and reading Fred Crowe's precise and tender little biography of Lonergan that I came upon these words.
. . . in the mystery of the trinitarian processions, and through life to Method in Theology and beyond, in the welter of words that with other theologians it was his vocation to utter, Lonergan never lost what Thomas above all theologians could teach, that theology can be done, must be done, that when it is done, we are confronted with mystery and bow our heads in adoration.From there the flame was lit and the image of the icon took fire. I used a painting by Lawren Harris the master Canadian landscape painter of the "Group of Seven" for the backround, as the vivid pine trees burning with light seemed perfect for the Theophany, and I added the maple leaves as an affectionate touch thinking of my years travelling to Canada to give retreats, and the lovely friends made there. In the icon Holy Theologian Bernard Lonergan receives insight and illumination from the Source he queried . . . the Most Holy Trinity.
This icon is dedicated to Fred and Bob with admiration and respect.
Fr. William Hart McNichols
26 November 2002
