Gospel in Art: Solemnity of Saint George, Martyr

Illuminated miniature by the Master of Sir John Fastolf 1430-1440, © J Paul Getty Museum

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 24 April 2023
John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples:

'I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes to make it bear even more. You are pruned already, by means of the word that I have spoken to you. Make your home in me, as I make mine in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself, but must remain part of the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.

I am the vine, you are the branches.

Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is like a branch that has been thrown away - he withers; these branches are collected and thrown on the fire, and they are burnt. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask what you will and you shall get it. It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit, and then you will be my disciples.'

Reflection on the Illuminated Manuscript Page

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint George (a day later than usual). Nothing much is known about St George. Tradition holds that he was a Roman soldier and was tortured and decapitated during the persecution of Christians under Diocletian in 303. His remains were taken to Lydda, now Lod, in Israel. Stories about him as a warrior-saint, dating from the 6th century onwards, became increasingly more popular and legendary. Especially in medieval times, he was regarded as being synonymous with battling evil and with selflessness. As he is the patron saint of England and Georgia, I wish our readers from there a happy feast day.

The illuminated miniature from a Book of Hours dating to 1430 shows one of the more classical depictions of St George slaying a dragon. It is thought that this may be a Christian version of the legend of Perseus. Perseus was said to have saved Andromeda from a sea monster near Lydda. As Perseus was known for his courage and fighting spirit, it may well be that early Christians adopted and Christianised that story for St George. The lady in the background of our miniature would further confirm this theory, as she would be the medieval Andromeda in awe of the knightly actions of a youthful looking St George, who wears armour with scarlet crosses.

I will leave you with a short prayer to Saint George:

O God, who didst grant to St George strength and constancy in the various torments which he sustained for our holy faith,

we beseech Thee to preserve, through his intercession, our faith from wavering and doubt,

so that we may serve Thee with a sincere heart faithfully unto death.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-15-1-8-2023/