Gospel in Art: The shrub puts out big branches so that the birds can shelter in it

Birds in an Orchard, by James Hautman , 2011 ©The Hautman Brothers

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 16 June 2024
Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds: 'This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, he loses no time: he starts to reap because the harvest has come.'

He also said, 'What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.'

Using many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it. He would not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything to his disciples when they were alone.

Reflection on the painting

Our painting is the work of James Hautman, one of the three Hautman brothers who are among America's leading contemporary wildlife artists. Specializing in bird life, James's artistry is evident in the striking burst of colours that vividly capture the essence of avian beauty. This piece showcases his unique talent and contributes to the renowned legacy of the Hautman family in the realm of wildlife art.

In our Gospel reading today, Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that grows into the biggest shrub of all and 'puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade'. It is easy to see why Jesus used this analogy. Majestic trees are magnificent to look at. They convey might and power, just like the kingdom of God. But, Jesus is not mentioning a large tree here that the seed is growing into. No, he mentions that the seed will grow into a 'shrub'. A shrub doesn't sound all that attractive really. In that, Jesus is telling us not to worry about the size of the shrubs or the trees we will grow into. Some may indeed grow into majestic trees but others will simply grow into small but mighty and powerful little shrubs. Size doesn't matter, as long as we are fruitful and can attract 'the birds of the air that can shelter in the shade'.

Today's reading reminds me of an anecdote about Mother Teresa, illustrating the humble beginnings of her expansive ministry. At the start, she approached her superiors with a seemingly insignificant offering-just three pennies-and a request to build an orphanage. Her superiors skeptically noted that three pennies were insufficient for such a project. Mother Teresa responded with gentle conviction, "I know what you are saying, but with God and three pennies, I can do anything." The rest is history. Like the biblical mustard seed, her modest start burgeoned into a vast network of centres providing shelter for the homeless... a vast network of homeless centres which are as branches providing shelter...

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-4-26-34-2024-2/