Gospel in Art: What is this? A new teaching with authority!

The Bosses of the Senate, Political Cartoon by Joseph Keppler, Jan 1889, published for Puck, issued by J Ottmann Lith Co © US Senate Archive

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 14 January 2025
Mark 1:21-28

Jesus and his disciples went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 'What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God.' But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be silent, and come out of him!' And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, 'What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.' And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee

Reflection on the political cartoon

The word 'authority' is often viewed negatively nowadays, while 'freedom' is celebrated and widely embraced. Some perceive authority as a threat to freedom, a notion not without merit given the serious harm caused by the misuse of authority in various contexts over the centuries. However, in today's Gospel reading, the people of Capernaum encounter a very different kind of authority in Jesus. Mark tells us that Jesus' teaching deeply impressed them because he taught with authority. After witnessing Jesus heal a man with an unclean spirit, they exclaimed that they witnesses a teaching that is new, with authority behind it.

Jesus' authority was powerful in a life-giving way, used to uplift and restore rather than oppress. Authority, in itself, is neutral; it can either harm or enhance freedom, depending on how it is exercised. When we submit to the authority of Jesus, we are not diminished but enriched; we grow in life and freedom, moving closer to what St Paul describes as the "glorious freedom of the children of God."

Our featured cartoon, published in Puck magazine on 23 January 1889, portrays various corporate interests-steel, copper, iron, sugar, oil, and others-dominating the Senate chamber. These corporate powers are depicted as obese, domineering, and powerful figures with swollen money bags for bodies. These companies have authority and influence.... but the wrong kind of authority. While the view is from within the Senate, the "people's entrance" is notably blocked, symbolising the exclusion of ordinary citizens. The stands are filled not with representatives of the public but with monopolists, depicted as well-dressed gentlemen, holding sway over the proceedings. However, the cartoon hints at an impending shift: the tide of public opinion and the authority of the people would soon turn against these monopolies. This collective authority, when exercised, would serve the common good, reclaiming the democratic space for the people it was meant to represent.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-1-21-28-2025/