Gospel in Art: They were afraid to ask him what he meant

What does this Mean? Installation by Joseph Kosuth © Sprüth-Magers Gallery, London

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 28 September 2024
Luke 9:43-45

At a time when everyone was full of admiration for all he did, Jesus said to his disciples, 'For your part, you must have these words constantly in your mind: "The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men."' But they did not understand him when he said this; it was hidden from them so that they should not see the meaning of it, and they were afraid to ask him about what he had just said.

Reflection on the Neon Artwork

In today's Gospel reading, we hear how the disciples "did not understand Jesus and were afraid to ask Him about what He had just said." It is easy to maybe think the disciples were slow to grasp Jesus' message, but that would be an unfair judgement, especially with the benefit of hindsight. Reflecting on our own lives, we often experience moments of sudden clarity-epiphanies-where we finally understand why certain things were said or why we had to endure particular trials years earlier. As adults, we look back on formative experiences that, at the time, seemed confusing or even pointless. Yet, with the wisdom gained from maturity and a greater understanding of the world, those moments begin to make sense, revealing how they have shaped who we are today.

Today's Gospel reading reminds us that we are all on a journey of faith. There will always be things we do not understand in the present, but perhaps later, with time and reflection, clarity will come. Even the disciples, who lived alongside Jesus and witnessed his miracles up close, shared this same experience. Consider the Transfiguration, for instance, when Peter, James, and John were privileged to witness an extraordinary event. However, they didn't fully grasp its significance until after the Resurrection, when everything became clear.

Joseph Kosuth's conceptual artwork 'What does this mean?', echoes the question of those seeking understanding. It is a simple yet very effective artwork, boldly asking the viewer a simple question. Joseph Kosuth (born 1945) is an American artist and a leading figure in Conceptual Art, known for his exploration of language and meaning in visual art. His works often challenge traditional notions of art by focusing on ideas and concepts rather than aesthetic or material qualities.Viewing Kosuth's artworks, such as his neon question piece, doesn't prompt the viewer to admire its aesthetic beauty, but rather invites us to reflect on the underlying question being posed. His work encourages contemplation, shifting the focus from visual appeal to the exploration of meaning and ideas.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-9-43-45-2024/