Gospel in Art: Our Lord Jesus Christ the Eternal High Priest

Christ on the Cross with Saints Vincent Ferrer, John the Baptist, Mark and Antoninus, by Master of Fiesole Epiphany © LA County Museum of Art

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 23 May 2024
Mark 14:22-25

As they were eating Jesus took some bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to them. 'Take it,' he said 'this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had returned thanks he gave it to them, and all drank from it, and he said to them, 'This is my blood, the blood of the covenant, which is to be poured out for many. I tell you solemnly, I shall not drink any more wine until the day I drink the new wine in the kingdom of God.'

Reflection on the painting

This late 15th-century Italian Renaissance painting served originally as an altarpiece in the Dominican church of San Marco in Florence. It was commissioned by the wealthy silk weavers' guild for their altar. We see a richness of different silks, velvets and embroidered textiles rendered in our painting. At first glance, the painting appears to be a crucifixion scene, but it is not. Jesus, depicted as King, is free standing in front of a crucifix. In fact he is floating. His right foot, dripping with the blood of his wounds,is directly above a chalice. He is portrayed as the Eternal High Priest, the feast we celebrate today.

The Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the Eternal High Priest is observed on the first Thursday following Pentecost. This solemn occasion directs our attention to Jesus' Priestly Office, serving as a model for all believers, especially the clergy. Priests are called to represent Christ in their ministry, acting in persona Christi, or "in the person of Christ." Today, we are reminded to lift up prayers for our priests, asking that they may increasingly reflect the likeness of Christ in their lives and service.

Christ in our painting is surrounded by four saints: Vincent Ferrer, John the Baptist, Mark, and Antoninus. Each saint is typically identified by specific attributes or symbols associated with them. Vincent Ferrer is shown wearing Dominican robes and holding a book, representing his role as a preacher and missionary. John the Baptist is depicted on the left wearing camel hair clothing and holding a reed cross. Mark is at the bottom right, portrayed holding a quill pen and his Gospel book; he is flanked by a lion, symbolising his Gospel's focus on Christ's royal dignity and authority. Antoninus, a Dominican friar and saints depicted in traditional robes Dominican robes.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-14-22-25-2024/