Gospel in Art: If you intend to build a tower, would you not work out the cost first?

Building of the Temple of Jerusalem, by Jean Fouquet, 1465, from illuminated manuscript of Josephus's Antiquities of the Jews, made for Jean, Duke of Berry © Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 6 November 2024
Luke 14:25-33

Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way and he turned and spoke to them. 'If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

'And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him and saying, "Here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish." Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who advanced against him with twenty thousand? If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace. So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.'

Reflection on the Illuminated Manuscript Page

In today's gospel, Jesus shares two parables: the parable of the builder and the parable of the king preparing for war. In both, we see men embarking on significant endeavours without taking the time to fully reflect on what they were about to undertake. Their actions were not matched by thoughtful consideration, and as a result, they were unable to complete their tasks.

Jesus seems to be teaching that following him and becoming his disciple requires not only action but also deep reflection. Before embarking on any path, we must take time to pause, or as the parables suggest, we must sit down and prayerfully reflect before moving forward. Discipleship is not a casual commitment, it requires preparation and time. Jesus also speaks of counting the cost, comparing discipleship to building a tower or going to war. Just as someone wouldn't begin either of these without careful planning, we must seriously reflect on what it takes to follow Jesus. Being His disciple isn't casual or easy; it demands sacrifice, dedication, and perseverance. But the reward is far greater than the cost, for in surrendering ourselves fully to Christ, we gain the fullness of life in him.

In our small illuminated miniature, circa 1465, we see a medieval construction scene in full swing, with craftsmen, grey with stone dust, hammering and chiselling masonry segments. A sculptor carefully carves a statue while others prepare mortar to join structural and decorative elements. On the left, citizens carrying financial contributions ascend the stairs of a palace, where a king, assisted by his architect, gestures towards heaven, overseeing the work and working out the costs of it all. The work is being done in praise of God. In the middle ground, the purpose of these efforts is revealed: both wealthy citizens and humble pilgrims, equipped with staffs and rucksacks, enter the richly adorned portals of a Gothic cathedral, still incomplete as towers remain unfinished. A crane on the roof lifts more building material. Gothic cathedrals, with their verticality, slenderness, and light-filled interiors, embody this aspiration to reach heaven. The unfinished state of Fouquet's structure reflects the ongoing nature of this spiritual journey, both in metaphor and reality. Tours Cathedral itself began construction in 1170 and wasn't completed until 1547.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-14-25-33-2024/