Gospel in Art: Happy are you when people hate you

He Binds Up The Broken-hearted © Paige Payne, all rights reserved, paigepaynecreations.com

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 11 September 2024
Luke 6:20-26

Fixing his eyes on his disciples Jesus said:

'How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God.

Happy you who are hungry now: you shall be satisfied.

Happy you who weep now: you shall laugh.

Happy are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, for then your reward will be great in heaven. This was the way their ancestors treated the prophets.

'But alas for you who are rich: you are having your consolation now.

Alas for you who have your fill now: you shall go hungry.

Alas for you who laugh now: you shall mourn and weep.

'Alas for you when the world speaks well of you! This was the way their ancestors treated the false prophets.'

Reflection on the contemporary artwork

In Jesus' time, the vast majority of the population struggled to make a living, while a small, wealthy elite often appeared indifferent to the hardships of others. In today's Gospel reading, Jesus offers words of comfort to the poor, the hungry, and those who weep, while delivering a stark warning to the rich and complacent. He reassures those who are suffering that God is aware of their situation and is working to overturn their misfortune, whether in this life or in the kingdom of heaven. Conversely, he cautions the affluent, who live in comfort, detached from the struggles of the majority, that their circumstances will also be reversed, but for the worse.

Jesus was always drawn to those who were broken in body, mind or spirit, whether they were rich or poor. He recognised brokenness in everyone. The Lord is particularly near to us in our moments of brokenness or despair, bringing joy to our sorrow, strength to our weakness, and hope to our despondency. It is often the situation of being vulnerable that creates a space for God to work. It is often our need that opens us up to God. We are being reassured in today's reading that when we are at our most vulnerable, whatever form that might take, the Lord is especially close to us, even if we feel abandoned by others.

Our contemporary artist, Paige Payne, explains how this artwork titled 'He Binds Up The Broken-hearted' symbolises her own relationship with Christ. That it is inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is mended with gold, makes the piece more beautiful and valuable. The highlighted golden breaks and cracks are what make this artwork.

The artist states how this technique reflects the way that Christ has repeatedly healed her brokenness, turning her pain into something more beautiful: "As I face life's challenges, I am grateful for how they have drawn me closer to Him, knowing He understands and heals my deepest wounds". In the painting, Kintsugi connects Christ to an abstract figure, allowing anyone to see themselves embraced by him, healed, and made whole.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-6-20-26-2024/