Gospel in Art: But if it is through the finger of God that I cast out devils...

The Creation of Adam (detail), by Michelangelo, 1508-1512, Fresco © Sistine Chapel, Vatican

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 11 October 2024
Luke 11:15-26

When Jesus had cast out a devil, some of the people said, 'It is through Beelzebul, the prince of devils, that he casts out devils.' Others asked him, as a test, for a sign from heaven; but, knowing what they were thinking, he said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself is heading for ruin, and a household divided against itself collapses. So too with Satan: if he is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? - since you assert that it is through Beelzebul that I cast out devils. Now if it is through Beelzebul that I cast out devils, through whom do your own experts cast them out? Let them be your judges then. But if it is through the finger of God that I cast out devils, then know that the kingdom of God has overtaken you. So long as a strong man fully armed guards his own palace, his goods are undisturbed; but when someone stronger than he is attacks and defeats him, the stronger man takes away all the weapons he relied on and shares out his spoil.

'He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.

'When an unclean spirit goes out of a man it wanders through waterless country looking for a place to rest, and not finding one it says, "I will go back to the home I came from." But on arrival, finding it swept and tidied, it then goes off and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and set up house there, so that the man ends up by being worse than he was before.'

Reflection on the fresco painting

One of the most iconic and literal depictions of the 'finger of God'-and arguably one of the most replicated images in history-can be found in Michelangelo's Creation of Adam. I present to you a detail from this fresco, painted between 1508 and 1512 on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It is the fourth panel in a chronological series illustrating episodes from the Book of Genesis. Here, God is portrayed as an elderly man with a flowing white beard, enveloped in a swirling cloak, while Adam, positioned on the lower left, is shown completely naked. God's right arm is outstretched to transmit the spark of life from his finger to Adam's, whose left arm mirrors God's gesture-a powerful reminder of humanity being created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26). Adam is receiving life directly from the divine source. If we truly believe that we all originate from God and carry within us this divine spark, then surely there is no place for demonising others, even those whose views may differ from our own.

Jesus speaks about the "finger of God" in response to accusations from some people that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus refutes this claim by explaining that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus is making it clear that His ability to cast out demons is not due to some dark power, but rather through the direct power and authority of God Himself. By invoking the "finger of God," He's pointing to the unmistakable presence of divine action in His ministry, showing that the kingdom of God is breaking into the world through Him.

The phrase "finger of God" draws on a rich biblical tradition. It is mentioned also in Exodus 31:18, where the Ten Commandments are said to be written by the "finger of God."

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-11-15-26-2024/