Gospel in Art: Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light

Ploughing Scene, by Rosa Bonheur, 1854 © The Walters Arts Museum / Creative Commons

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 18 July 2024
Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said, 'Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.'

Reflection on the painting

In our brief reading today, Jesus uses the imagery of a yoke. Most of his listeners at the time were likely involved in farming or fishing, so the image of a yoke would have resonated with them as something familiar. Although this image may be less relatable to our age of industrialized agriculture, it still carries a powerful message. A yoke binds two oxen together as they plough the fields in preparation for a new season of crop planting. They must work in unison, with the stronger ox leading and supporting the weaker one. In this analogy, we are the weaker ox, relying on Christ for strength, guidance, and encouragement as we navigate through our tasks in life.

Today's painting depicts a farmer ploughing his field under the scorching noonday sun. The right half of the painting shows the already ploughed section, while the left side remains untouched. The farmer and his two oxen must work in perfect harmony and synchronicity to prepare the fields for planting and harvesting. In the bottom right corner, small birds can be seen pecking at the furrow left by the plough. This artwork is by Rosa Bonheur, one of the most celebrated animal painters of the 19th century. Bonheur often depicted ploughing scenes, showcasing her expertise in animal anatomy, which she studied meticulously through dissection.

When Jesus uses the word 'overburdened' in today's Gospel, he implies that bearing the burdens of life on our own is too much for us to handle. We simply can't do it alone. Instead, we must work together with Christ to accomplish our tasks, with him providing the leadership and direction. Only then can we strive towards producing an abundant harvest.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-11-28-30-2024/