This piece is based on a 'story' from Acts about Ananias and his wife, Sapphira.
Ananias and Sapphira sold their property in order to contribute to the Apostles' fund for the poor. But rather than hand over every penny, they kept some back for themselves, saying though, that they were giving all the proceeds. Peter is aware of what they have done, exposes them, and both are struck down, dead.
At first, the initial reaction might be 'how could you?' and 'why?' Then I read a commentary about this that softened the initial perception of their actions. They so much wanted to be part of that early group of faithful, but they just couldn't bring themselves to give up every last penny of the proceeds from the property sale. They wanted a safety net for themselves.
I think many of us could sympathise with this kind of outlook!
So, my piece is of Sapphira. She holds a bottle of perfume, to represent that which she could not give up. She is in darkness, as she knows in her heart that what she and her husband are doing is wrong. She perhaps looks confident at first glance - nobody will know, all will be well. Yet looking closely at her face, she betrays just a shadow of that doubt within.
TFL!
Bernie x
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