Gospel in Art: I did not come to be served but to serve

The Apotheosis of Louis XIV, by Charles Le Brun, 1677 © Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 20 October 2024
Mark 10:42-45

Jesus called the Twelve to him and said to them, 'You know that among the pagans their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'

Reflection on the painting

In our Gospel reading today, Jesus radically redefines leadership by contrasting worldly authority with true Christian service. Rather than seeking power and dominance, he calls his followers to embrace servant leadership, where greatness is measured by humility and selflessness. It is a reminder that in God's kingdom, honour is found not in lording over others, but in lifting them up through acts of service. Real greatness comes from serving others, mirroring his own life as one who "came not to be served but to serve." This passage flips societal expectations, showing that to lead is to serve, and true power is found in love and sacrifice, not in control or authority.

Throughout history, a significant amount of art has been created to honour wealthy patrons, rulers, and religious authorities, often as a display of their power, influence, and status. These patrons commissioned grand works of art, not just for religious devotion but also as a means of reinforcing their authority and legacy. Such art, while often beautiful and culturally significant, would be challenged by today's Gospel reading. One example is The Apotheosis of Louis XIV by Charles Le Brun. This grand painting glorifies the Sun King, portraying him almost as a divine figure ascending to heaven, emphasising his authority and absolute rule over France. Le Brun, the court painter for Louis XIV, is metaphorically deifying the Sun King. Louis XIV is elevated towards the heavens, with angels greeting him, as if acknowledging his almost divine right to rule. Even gods from ancient Rome and Greece have been added to further enhance the king's association with the timeless, all this under the watchful eye of Our Lady. The king exudes calmness and composure, compared to the earthly battles of other mortals below.

While much of the art commissioned by powerful patrons throughout history does indeed radiate earthly power, it would be overly simplistic to dismiss such works as lacking spiritual or Christian value. Many of these pieces, even when designed to glorify the patron, simultaneously tap into deep Christian themes and imagery, reflecting a fusion of worldly authority with divine symbolism. The patrons were often closely intertwined with the Church, and their commissions were not merely vanity projects but also expressions of their faith, however complexly interwoven with their desire for influence.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-10-42-45-2024/