Gospel in Art: The hour is coming when the dead will leave their graves

All Souls Day, by Emile Friant, 1898 © Museum of Fine Arts, Nancy, France

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 2 November 2024
John 5:24-29

Jesus said to the Jews:

I tell you most solemnly, whoever listens to my words, and believes in the one who sent me, has eternal life; without being brought to judgement he has passed from death to life.

I tell you most solemnly, he hour will come - in fact it is here already - when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and all who hear it will live.

For the Father, who is the source of life, has made the Son the source of life; and, because he is the Son of Man, has appointed him supreme judge.

Do not be surprised at this, for the hour is coming when the dead will leave their graves at the sound of his voice: those who did good will rise again to life; and those who did evil, to condemnation.

Reflection on the painting

Today we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (Feast of All Souls). It speaks to the deep spiritual connection between those of us still on our earthly pilgrimage and those who have completed theirs. As the Church's funeral liturgy reminds us, the bonds of love do not unravel with death.

It is a day of solemn remembrance, where we reflect on the lives of our loved ones who have passed away and ask God to grant them eternal rest. This feast builds on the belief in the "communion of saints," which includes the living, the dead, and the saints in heaven. All Souls' Day reminds us of our connection to the deceased and the ongoing journey towards eternal life. Many of use will visit cemeteries to pray for our loved ones who died. Doing so, we express our love for the departed and we trust in God's mercy, reflecting on our own mortality and the need to live in a way that prepares us for eternal union with God.

Our painting from 1898 by Emile Friant, depicts people visiting a cemetery. But on their way in, they encounter a homeless man. We see a young girl with outstretched arms, ready to give also to the man. He is holding up a white board. Just as when nowadays homeless people hold up boards, many different texts could be put onto that white board. But the painting does not tell us what the man is sharing about his personal circumstances. The board is blank. A blanket on his lap is keeping him warm. The setting is sombre, and the weather appears grey, enhancing the mood of quiet mourning and reflection.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-5-24-29-2024/