Gospel in Art: Jesus summoned his twelve disciples

Set of bronze medallions of the Twelve Apostles. 17th C, N Italy. © Bamberger Antiques, Litzendorf

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 12 July 2023
Matthew 10:1-7

Jesus summoned his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to cast them out and to cure all kinds of diseases and sickness.

These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the one who was to betray him. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them as follows:

'Do not turn your steps to pagan territory, and do not enter any Samaritan town; go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.'

Reflection on the Gilt-Bronze Medallions

Jesus carefully chose His twelve apostles. We sometimes get the impression that they often bickered, struggled for power, failed to understand some teachings, etc… and yet, it is precisely these people that Jesus chose to do his work. He actually trusted them so much that he gave them great power, as we can read in today's Gospel. He used weak, flawed individuals who became great, mighty and the most wonderful of people. Just as each apostle is mentioned in today's reading by name, so we too are called each by name.

Christians throughout the ages expressed and strengthened their faith through public rituals, such as the celebration of the Eucharist, but of course prayer and devotions also took place at home. And so artists and artisans over the centuries also made small devotional pieces for domestic settings. The twelve medallions we are looking at today are a good example of this. Reflecting the wealth and rank of the individual, these types of objects were produced in every medium, from vellum to gold, from ivory to silver, ... Having these types of objects in the house would have aided the prayer life of the owners.

Each of the apostles is depicted with an attribute: Andrew with the diagonal cross, Bartholomew with a knife, James Son of Zebedee with a pilgrim's staff, James Son of Alphaeus with a saw, John with a serpent in the chalice, Peter with the keys, Thomas with a square rule, etc… Each individual apostle with an individual attribute, an individual talent, … each serving God in their unique ways.

The number twelve was significant; it is a reminder of the twelve tribes of Israel. This group of twelve were to symbolize the renewed Israel that Jesus was working to form. The number twelve can be found in 187 places in the Bible. Revelation alone has 22 occurrences of the number. The meaning of 12, which is considered a perfect number, is that it symbolises God's power and authority. For example, Jacob (Israel) had twelve sons, each of which represented a tribe. Ishmael, who was born to Abraham through Hagar, also had twelve princes. Another example, God specified that twelve unleavened cakes of bread be placed every week in the temple with frankincense next to each of the two piles that were to be made. The priests were commanded to change the bread every Sabbath day (Leviticus 24).

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-10-1-7-2023/