Gospel in Art: I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven

I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven, photograph by Md Asif C, 2017 © DeviantArt Graphic Design

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 5 October 2024
Luke 10:17-24

The seventy-two came back rejoicing. 'Lord,' they said 'even the devils submit to us when we use your name.' He said to them, 'I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.'

It was then that, filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, he said:

'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 who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.'

Then turning to his disciples he spoke to them in private, 'Happy the eyes that see what you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.'

Reflection on the photograph

We know that Jesus had given explicit authority to his twelve Apostles, empowering them to cast out demons. But in today's reading, we see that even the seventy-two disciples (he sent out in our Gospel reading two days ago) were granted similar powers. Upon returning from their mission, they excitedly report back to Jesus, saying, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!" Their joy, however, wasn't rooted in a desire for personal admiration or recognition. Rather, they rejoiced in witnessing God's power working through them. Their faith was made tangible as they saw God's will being enacted before their very eyes. Jesus himself also rejoiced in this, as we read that He was 'filled with joy by the Holy Spirit', seeing the success of their mission.

When the seventy-two returned, Jesus saw in their triumph a sign of Satan's defeat. The image of Satan falling from heaven, referenced in the text, is a vivid and powerful symbol. In our contemporary world, this imagery can resonate deeply with young people, particularly in the form of digital graphics. Much like the imagery found in video games, digitally generated visuals instantly connect with younger generations, offering a sense of familiarity and credibility. These digital images speak a language that engages modern youth and have the power to draw them into the timeless truths of the Gospel.

The powerful depiction of Satan's fall, by an artist working under the name of 'Md Asif C', is a very striking image. Closer to heaven, his feather are still in colour, reminiscent of the joys of Heaven. But as he falls, everything turns dark. Blacks rule the photograph in the bottom half. Satan, driven by pride in his desire to be God rather than to serve God, contrasts with the humble, servant-hearted mission of the seventy-two disciples-who, unlike Satan, sought to serve God with all their hearts.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-10-17-24-2024/