Gospel in Art: 'Alas for you, blind guides!

Obstacle Course, Painting by Dee Carpenter, 2013 © Dee Carpenter, Fairbanks, USA

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 26 August 2024
Matthew 23:13-22

Jesus said: 'Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who shut up the kingdom of heaven in men's faces, neither going in yourselves nor allowing others to go in who want to.

'Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who travel over sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when you have him you make him twice as fit for hell as you are.

'Alas for you, blind guides! You who say, "If a man swears by the Temple, it has no force; but if a man swears by the gold of the Temple, he is bound." Fools and blind! For which is of greater worth, the gold or the Temple that makes the gold sacred? Or else, "If a man swears by the altar it has no force; but if a man swears by the offering that is on the altar, he is bound." You blind men! For which is of greater worth, the offering or the altar that makes the offering sacred? Therefore, when a man swears by the altar he is swearing by that and by everything on it. And when a man swears by the Temple he is swearing by that and by the One who dwells in it. And when a man swears by heaven he is swearing by the throne of God and by the One who is seated there.'

Reflection on the watercolour

Strong words in our reading today! We hear from Jesus a scathing rebuke directed at the Pharisees. He was highly critical of those who created barriers or obstacles for people coming to believe in him. Recall that he even admonished his own disciples for trying to prevent children from approaching him. Jesus saw the Pharisees as putting obstacles between him and the people; he wanted them to build bridges instead!

When we discuss our faith and bear witness to Jesus before others, it is crucial that we do so in a spirit of love and compassion. Our goal should be to draw people closer to God, not to push them away. This means we must be cautious not to become obstacles ourselves in the process. It's essential to engage in difficult conversations and convey the Church's teachings, but always in a way that reflects the love and grace of Christ. Empathy and understanding are vital.

Our gouache on paper piece is titled 'Obstacle Course' and is by award-winning self-taught artist Dee Carpenter. It is a charming composition showing little ducklings confronting a small obstacle. One brave duckling is facing the challenge head-on and is nearly at the top of the steep climb. He will be an example for the others to follow. In our faith, we too can be the ones gently showing the way, helping others to overcome obstacles rather than creating new ones for them... gently leading the way for others.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-23-13-22-2024/