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Gospel in Art: I bless you, Father, for revealing these things to mere children

  • Father Patrick van der Vorst

Tree Roots, by Van Gogh © Van Gogh Museum,  Amsterdam,Vincent van Gogh Foundation/Wiki

Tree Roots, by Van Gogh © Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam,Vincent van Gogh Foundation/Wiki

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 17 July 2024
Matthew 11:25-27

Jesus exclaimed, 'I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.'

Reflection on the painting

In our fast-paced society, the virtue of 'discernment' is often overlooked. We frequently settle for superficial answers rather than taking the time to seek serious, thoughtful ones. For important life decisions, it is crucial to delve deeply into our questions, a process that requires reflection and prayer.

Particularly in matters of faith, we find true answers only through quality time spent in contemplation. Today's reading encourages us to approach our search for answers with the simplicity and trust of little children. Just as a child depends on his or her parents, we should listen to our Father, trust in his guidance, and accept challenging tasks, knowing that his actions are always rooted in the love he has for each of us. By doing so, we can discern properly and reach the root of our own questions.

Finding the root of things brings stability, much as tree roots provide firm support to the parts of the tree that are above ground. As we are rooted in God, that is where we will find our stability and our answer to whatever we are discerning. Vincent van Gogh's 1890 canvas, believed to be one of his last paintings, depicts tree roots firmly established in the soil. In this painting the roots are highlighted, not the actual visible tree. In that sense it is indeed a deeply spiritual painting. Raised in a religious family, Van Gogh initially pursued a career in Christian ministry before turning to art. His profound empathy for humanity and reverence for nature often reflect a divine presence he firmly believed in. He was a man of faith, and also someone who was constantly searching for deeper meaning. I personally find that his use of vibrant colours and emotive brushstrokes invite us to reflect on the sacredness of everyday life and the underlying spiritual dimensions of the natural world.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-11-25-27-2024/

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