Today's Gospel in Art - Jesus heals Two Blind Men

Jesus healing the Two Blind Men, Mosaics in Cathedral of Monreale, Sicily, 1180's © Christian Art

Gospel of 4th December 2020 - Matthew 9:27-31

As Jesus went on his way two blind men followed him shouting, 'Take pity on us, Son of David.' And when Jesus reached the house the blind men came up with him and he said to them, 'Do you believe I can do this?' They said, 'Sir, we do.' Then he touched their eyes saying, 'Your faith deserves it, so let this be done for you.' And their sight returned. Then Jesus sternly warned them, 'Take care that no one learns about this.' But when they had gone, they talked about him all over the countryside.

Reflection on the Mosaics

The Cathedral of Monreale, above Palermo in Sicily, was commissioned by King William II and by his death in 1189 most of the work was already completed. It features some of the most spectacular 12th-century mosaic decoration. Consecrated to the Assumption of the Virgin, the church also features many stories of the Life of Jesus, one of which, the mosaic detail we are looking at today, illustrates our Gospel reading, the healing of the two blind men. For me the mosaic decoration at Monreale surpasses even those at Venice's San Marco.

Beautiful mosaic compositions are made out of individual pieces. Each piece is important. Each piece is unique, with its own irregular shape, its own colour, its own shine. It is therefore an art form which lends itself particularly well to Christian Art. Yes, each small mosaic tile has its own shine: its own way of reflecting the light during the day and the candle light at night. Once the blind man was healed, he could see the light again. We too, when healed from our spiritual blindness at times, can reflect God's light which He has placed in each of us... each in our own unique way...

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/626

Christian Art - www.christian.art/index.php