Today's Gospel in Art - Feast of Christ the King

Jesus is Christ, Album cover by Kanye West 2019, © Kanye West Music, all rights reserved

Gospel of 24th November 2019 - Luke 23:35-43

The people stayed there before the cross watching Jesus. As for the leaders, they jeered at him. 'He saved others,' they said 'let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.' The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer vinegar they said, 'If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.' Above him there was an inscription: 'This is the King of the Jews.'

One of the criminals hanging there abused him. 'Are you not the Christ?' he said. 'Save yourself and us as well.' But the other spoke up and rebuked him. 'Have you no fear of God at all?' he said. 'You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus,' he said 'remember me when you come into your kingdom.' 'Indeed, I promise you,' he replied 'today you will be with me in paradise.'

Reflection on the Album Cover

Whilst in our daily reflections I concentrate mainly on the visual arts, of course music is a beautiful art form as well, drawing us, probably like no other art form, deep into the mystery of our faith. From early biblical times we see song and music at the heart of worship and devotion, songs of thanks, songs of mercy, songs of lament, etc… The 1963 document of the Second Vatican Council (Sacosanctum Concilium) states: "the musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other form of art… sacred music increases in holiness to the degree that is intimately linked with liturgical action, winningly expresses prayerfulness, promotes solidarity and enriches sacred rites with heightened solemnity".

Ok, so what then about modern Pop or Rap music, and more specifically the recently released Kanye West album titled 'Jesus is King'? Kanye West is one of the world's most influential music artists... To read on see: www.christianart.today/daily-gospel-reading/244