Gospel in Art: They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders

The Burden, by Satu Prinnen, 2017 © Satu Prinnen, all rights reserved

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 26 August 2023
Matthew 23:1-12

Addressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, 'The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practise what they preach.

'They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they!

'Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader phylacteries and longer tassels, like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues, being greeted obsequiously in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi.

'You, however, must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since you have only one master, and you are all brothers. You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor must you allow yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.'

Reflection on the modern painting

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus talks of burdens. He is referring especially to those religious leaders who impose unnecessary burdens on an already burdened people through their strict interpretation of the Jewish Law. Jesus had earlier called on those who were overburdened to come to him, promising them rest. So he doesn't want us to pile extra pressures on our neighbours. It is true, most people carry burdens of one kind or another. But Jesus does not want us to see our faith as a burden. On the contrary, it is something that should help us and set us free. God's will for our lives is not burdensome.

Our painting by Satu Helena Pirinen, a Finnish-born artist, shows a man being overburdened by life. He carries the weight of the city, work, family, home, etc. There is plenty to look at in this painting. Sometime life may feel exactly like this. We may not see the wood for the trees with our work and responsibilities.

Jesus also had burdens, as he shared in our human condition. In fact, he allowed himself to be burdened by the constraints of the human condition. Jesus was at his most burdened as he hung from the cross on Calvary. He was not burdened only by being condemned to death by crucifixion, but also by carrying all of our burdens on the cross too! And if we are going through a good patch in life not feeling very pressured, then maybe it is a good time to help carry the burdens of others.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-23-1-12-2023-2/