Gospel in Art: I myself shall give you eloquence and wisdom

The Orator, Roman bronze sculpture, 110-90 BCE © National Archaeological Museum, Florence

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 27 November 2024
Luke 21:12-19

Jesus said to his disciples: 'Men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name - and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.'

Reflection on the Ancient Roman Bronze Sculpture

Today's Gospel takes place shortly before Jesus begins his Passion. In this passage, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the trials they will face for following him. He warns them that they will be seized, persecuted, handed over to authorities, and even imprisoned - all because they bear His name. These words have proven true throughout the Church's history. Even today, countless people around the world suffer persecution for their faith in Jesus.

While we may not face persecution for our faith here at home, being a believer in today's society has its own challenges. The cultural and social support for faith seems to have diminished, making it harder to live openly as Christians. The heavily secularised society often pressures us to confine our Christian faith to the private sphere, discouraging any public expression of belief. This shows that every generation of Christians faces its own unique struggles.

In the Gospel, Jesus offers reassurance to us: those who face opposition and hostility. He promises, 'I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict.' This assurance reminds us that we are never alone in our trials, as long as we remain faithful to Him. St. Teresa of Calcutta once wisely said, "The Lord does not call us to be successful, but to be faithful." Beautiful words.

"The Orator" (Aulus Metellus) is a Roman bronze statue from the 1st century BC, depicting a man in a toga with his arm outstretched in a gesture of address. The statue captures the essence of Roman public life, as Aulus Metellus, an Etruscan magistrate, embodies the ideals of civic duty and persuasive communication. His poised stance, commanding gaze, and the open gesture of his right hand suggest a speaker at the height of his eloquence and rhetorical power, addressing an audience with authority and clarity. Jesus assures us that He will provide us with both eloquence and wisdom, empowering us to find the right words in crucial moments when we are called to bear witness to Him.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-21-12-19-2024/